A PROUD Forester whose association with rivers and the sea – which included Lydney Docks and stretched across the world – has died.

Mike Meredith-Edwards of Sling was also an Independent councillor on the Forest of Dean District Council where he was a member for the Coleford East ward.

He died at home on Good Friday, April 3, at the age of 78, having had failing health for several years.

He leaves a wife, Mary, three children and two grandchildren.

Mr Meredith-Edwards was passionate about the Forest and its people and was happy to help those in need when he could. He was was also a regular contributor to the Review letters page.

His association with rivers and the sea started early and as a merchant seaman he spent his 16th birthday in New York.

A great part of his life was spent on rivers throughout the UK and Ireland working on cargo ships, fishing trawlers and oil tankers.

Later he was the skipper of his own sand dredger – his experience gave him an expert knowledge of the Britain's coastal area and waterways.

His funeral will take place on Friday, April 24 and donations in lieu of flowers for the Great Western Air Ambulance and the Wiltshire Air Ambulance would be appreciated.