HUNDREDS are today expected to pay their respects to a much-loved Test Valley taxi boss described as a "legend" by his loved ones.

Victor Marsh, owner of Samtax taxis died after a three-year battle with prostate cancer - aged just 68.

Now a procession will travel through Romsey to take the keen cricketer and former livestock haulier to his final resting place.

Mr Marsh, known as Vic, previously ran VJ Marsh haulage livestock, and was well known in the farming, trucking, taxi and local cricket community.

More than 300 people are expected to attend a celebration of his life in Romsey Abbey today.

The funeral cortege will leave the family home in Ower where a fleet of taxis and a lorry will follow his hearse.

They will pass Samtax headquarters in Broadwater Road before arriving at the Abbey to receive a guard of honour from Michelmersh and Timsbury Cricket Club players sporting their traditional whites.

Samtax was initially set up by his father-in-law Sam Steel in 1976 before Mr Marsh and his wife Anne took over.

In the 1980s he eventually sold the haulage livestock company, transporting animals to cattle markets in the region, and focused on the taxi trade.

He was diagnosed with testicular cancer three years ago but bravely continued working, still driving up until around six weeks before his death on May 11 at Romsey Hospital.

Anne, 66, his wife of 46 years, said: "He was my soulmate and best friend and is going to be missed by everyone.

"Noone will fulfil his place."

Daughter Pam Pickard, 44, said: "So many people knew him in the farming community and he is an absolute legend in his own right.

"We couldn't have asked for a better dad.

"He has always been there for the family and would go out of his way to help anybody."

Mr Marsh served for 30 years as a player, captain and groundsman at the cricket club.

Sports club chairman and close friend Nick McCall said: "He was good company both on and off the field and his contribution to the club is unmatched. He will be remembered as a fine bowler and considerate captain whose sense of humour never failed him."

Former committee member Howard Parsons, who has known him for around 25 years, said: "He was a kind, thoughtful and caring person who dedicated many years to the club."

Mr Marsh, who was involved in Romsey Chamber of Commerce, also leaves two sons Richard, 42, and Graham, 39, and four grandchildren.

The service begins at 11.30am and will be followed by a private family burial in the South Stoneham Crematorium and wake at the family home.

Donations are being collected for Marie Curie Cancer and Macmillan.