The brothers behind the Easter and Christmas Charity Markets, Jeremy and Martin Holmes, have paid tribute to a local supporter and ‘colourful character’ who recently died.

Father and grandfather David Burstall died on November 1 aged 91.

He and wife Jane ran a fundraising tombola for the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline at the market for about 15-years until they retired.

Jeremy said: “We shall miss his cheerful enthusiasm and interest. He was dedicated to the Chernobyl children’s charity.”

The Burstalls were one of the local host families for the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline.

The lifeline was set up after the Chernobyl nuclear explosion of April 1986.

It provides children from Ukraine and Belarus affected by the nuclear disaster with short holidays in the UK to help them get stronger and healthier.

This year’s Giant Christmas Charity Market in aid of Portsmouth Hospitals Charity Cancer Services Fund is at The Petersfield School on Saturday, December 3.

Local charities represented include Petersfield Musical Festival and the Rosemary Foundation.

To book one of the remaining stall slots, contact Jeremy on 07798 753836.