Tributes are being paid to funeral director Derek Farrier who died last night aged 70.

Mr Farrier, who had been suffering from motor neurone disease and dementia, passed away at the Pilgrim’s Hospice in Ashford.

A popular and well-known figure in the town, he had arranged thousands of funerals during his 54 years in the undertaking business, and was often seen walking ahead of the hearse before and after services and at cemeteries and the crematorium.

Born and brought up in Dover, he attended River Primary and Dover Boys’ Grammar School and immediately joined the business, which had been established by his father Jack, when he left school.

He was actively involved until the beginning of this year when illness made it difficult for him.

Derek and Lynda were married in 1973 - it would have been their 40th wedding anniversary this June - and they had three children, Sarah, Julie and James, who are all now involved in the business.

In his younger days Derek played golf and was an avid supporter of Newcastle United Football Club.

He enjoyed gardening and had just taken up bowls, becoming a member of Kearsney Bowls Club.

A founder member of the Rotary Club of South Foreland in 1985, he was made an honorary member when illness prevented him from attended the meetings. He also belonged to a Masonic Lodge.

The funeral is taking place on Saturday May 11 at 10.30am at River Parish Church, followed by cremation at Barham.

Donations in his memory are being made to the Motor Neurone Disease Association, via WJ Farrier undertakers at 161 London Road, Dover.