THE death of a “passionate Shastonian” at the centre of public life in Shaftesbury has drawn a moving tribute from his family.

Stephen Rutter, 82, a fifth-generation partner in the town’s 170-year-old law firm, Rutters, died last Thursday after a long illness.

Mr Rutter played an active role in the life of the town, supporting a range of institutions and even donating cobbles from his office car park for the repair of the iconic Gold Hill.

In a statement, Mr Rutter’s wife, Anne, and his four sons, John, Paul, Michael, and George, paid tribute to the late solicitor – a devoted Quaker educated at Shaftesbury Grammar School.

“Stephen was a passionate Shastonian and he touched many people – not through any official capacity but from a desire to create friendships and a greater network of community support.”