A HAMPSHIRE pensioner has died while swimming in the Caribbean.

John Twentyman, 74, was out in the water in Anguilla, a volcanic island in the Caribbean Sea, when he drowned.

Police on the island launched an investigation into the former auctioneer and chartered surveyor’s death after he was found on RendezVous Beach, a popular holiday resort with tourists.

Following an inquest, a coroner in Anguilla found that Mr Twentyman drowned after he was located at around 4.35pm on February 24.

Tributes were paid to Mr Twentyman when a ceremony was held on the island with family members as well as island governor Tim Foy OBE present. He and wife Jane spent winters on the island but lived in Lymington where they retired to after living in Fritham and Bramshaw.

A Romsey Rotarian for many years John helped raise thousands of pounds for charity and is said to have been an “an excellent” cricketer, having played for Rockbourne Cricket Club near Fordingbridge.

He was a fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and after training in Somerset spent his working life at the Romsey office of Woolley and Wallis where he eventually became senior partner.

Mr Donald, managing partner at Woolley and Wallis, worked with John and paid tribute to his former colleague and “great, great friend.”

He said: “He was a lovely bloke. He was very well respected across a wide area.

“We think he started with us in 1969 and worked with us for many years until 2005 or 6. He was well loved. It’s amazing who is getting in touch to talk about him. We have had his predecessor’s PA get in touch even - from a very long time ago.”

Former chief reporter at the Romsey Advertiser Andy Simmonds said John was “a really nice bloke who always took the time to say hello.”

The couple had no children.

A service is expected to take place in Hampshire but details are yet to be confirmed.