I WOULD like to pay tribute to Matthew Veasey, former chairman of Little Leigh Parish Council and founder of the award-winning Nooks Yard Cider.

Like so many local people, I was shocked and saddened by the death of Matthew at the age of 42.

I got to know him through the outstanding work that he did promoting craft cider making in Cheshire using locally produced apples and pears.

He was a keen lobbyist and was not backwards at promoting cider making in Parliament and in the constituency.

I will miss him and my thoughts and prayers are with his wife Louise, friends and family.

Graham Evans MP for Weaver Val