TRIBUTE has been paid to a much-loved member of Herefordshire 4x4 Response after his death.

Chair Steve Wright said it was with immense sadness that he announced the death of responder Chris Smith at his home in Hereford on July 23.

Mr Smith was a devoted member of the Herefordshire 4x4 Response management team and most recently served as vice chairman, Mr Wright said.

"He was our liaison with West Mercia Police and is a large part of why our group is the success it is today," Mr Wright said.

"Not only was Chris involved with response he was also a fully committed member of the West Mercia Police Special Constabulary rising to the rank of special chief inspector. He also assisted with 124 Squadron Air Training Corps regularly.

"He leaves behind his wife Kate and three children. We pass on our best wishes to Kate and his family."

Herefordshire 4x4 Response group has played a key role in Herefordshire through when road conditions become difficult, provide logistical four-wheel drive support in times of severe weather or disaster.

Run and manned by volunteers, the group offers transport support to the emergency services, community, and other voluntary groups and charities.

Volunteers have provided essential support during flooding and other extraordinary weather events such as the Beast from the East, transporting essential NHS staff, nurses, doctors, paramedics, and carers, and essential Herefordshire Council staff, as well as delivering essential medical supplies, undertaking site evacuations, recovering stranded vehicles, and assisting with searches and support.

West Mercia Police has also paid tribute to Mr Smith, who joined the special constabulary in 2003.

He had nearly 20 years of service with the force and was widely known and respected throughout the force and beyond, also working as a field intelligence officer in the force intelligence bureau, a spokesperson said.

Acting assistant chief constable Damian Barratt said: “Chris was a true public servant, his absence will be sorely felt by all those who had the privilege of working alongside him, and all those who knew him. His dedication to the service, his expertise and warm personality touched the lives of many, and he will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with his family at this difficult time.”