TRIBUTES have been paid to three brothers whose generosity has astounded Minchinhampton.

Johnny, Eric and Jimmy Vosper, who all died in the past 18 months, left thousands of pounds to various organisations in the town.

Cotswold Care Hospice, Horsfall House and the Market House were among those that received donations.

Johnny, who died on September 1, left a two acre field near Besbury Park, off Cirencester Road to the parish council.

The news was revealed at a parish council meeting last Monday, November 24.

After the meeting, the SNJ also found out that he left £10,000 to a neighbour, an undisclosed sum to Horsfall House and Holy Trinity Church and his estate to another neighbour.

His brother Eric, who died last December, left £10,000 to Minchinhampton Parish Council, £85,000 to Horsfall House and £25,000 to the Market House.

Jimmy, who died on June 3, 2007, left £50,000 to Stroud General Hospital, £25,000 to Holy Trinity Church, £25,000 to the Market House, £20,000 to his best friend and £10,000 to another friend.

The rest of his estate, including his house in Hampton Green, will go to Cotswold Care Hospice.

The brothers came from a large family who owned an antiques shop in the Market Square called Priory Antiques. All three brothers never married or had children.

Eric was a Second World War hero who cleared mines from the beaches during the D-Day landings.

He was described as a 'true country man'.

Johnny collected hoards of antiques, some of which were left in his home in Parsons court after he died, as featured in the SNJ last week.

Mick Wright, a friend of Jimmys, said: "Jimmy loved working, even when he was retired he still helped me out in my antiques shop and helped me with house clearances.

"All the brothers had a terrific sense of humour and humility – true country characters."

Parish council chairman Nick Hurst said: "The three brothers between them over the last 18 months have been enormously generous to the community.

"Somehow I do feel we need to remember these three brothers. This is such fantastic philanthropy."

The parish council has not yet spent the £10,000 left by Eric and is hoping it can find a way to commemorate the brothers' legacy.

*Did you know the Vosper brothers? Comment here...