Whitstable councillor Mike Sharp has died following a short illness.

His death was announced today by the council's chief executive Colin Carmichael.

The Seasalter representative (left) was first elected to the council in 1999 and sat on the licensing committee, Whitstable Area Member panel and the harbour board.

City council leader John Gilbey led tributes to Mr Sharp saying he was one of the most popular members to serve on the council.

He said: "Mike was one of the most well liked councillors on the council. He was always friendly and a willing workhorse a really superb councillor and a lovely bloke."

Cllr Gilbey said he was suffering from an illness but refused to go into details.

He added: "The speed at which this has happened has left a lot of people shocked and very upset.

"All our thoughts are with his wife Jane and his three daughters."

Fellow councillors have paid tribute to the conservative on Twitter after the sad announcement.

Lib dem leader Alex Perkins tweeted: "So sorry to hear of the death of my friend Mike. A great servant to Whitstable - & Canterbury. And a truly lovely bloke! :( #heartbroken."

While Cllr Jennie Edwards posted: "Just had a big cry in the office. Mike Sharp, you will be greatly missed. See you anon, my friend xx."

The Canterbury Constituency Conservative Association also paid tribute by tweeting: "Saddened by the death of Councillor Mike Sharp. Served Seasalter, Whitstable since '99. A thoroughly decent man. Thoughts with his family."