Tributes have been paid to journalist and public relations officer Keith Southey who died on Tuesday, July 7, aged 53.

Mr Southey, who was born in Dover and attended Astor Secondary School, worked for the Dover Express from 1973 to 1987 - rising to deputy chief reporter - before joining the press office at Dover Harbour Board.

Married, with two sons, he had been diagnosed with a brain tumour and had undergone surgery and treatment.

A keen sportsman, he enjoyed skiing and football and was a supporter of Dover Athletic Football Club.

Veteran journalist Terry Sutton said Mr Southey had been a diligent reporter and an excellent public relations officer.

Public relations consultant Nick Stevens, who gave a tribute at the funeral service, said: "Putting aside business strategies, marketing speak, PR spin even, and any stresses and strains of everyday life, life is about people and what Keith had, what Keith was and what Keith gave as a person cannot be either taught, bought or indeed replaced.

"Keith was quite simply the nicest, calmest, and friendliest person you could ever wish to know and be with, and the Port and Town will just never be the same without him.

"He has sailed away on a far too early ferry."

Brian Rees, press officer for P&O Ferries, said: "Keith was the senior reporter when I joined the Dover Express. He was very kind to me in those formative years of my career, offering gentle support, guidance and encouragement. And plenty of leg pulling. He had a wicked sense of hunmour. He soon became more like a big brother than a colleague."

Journalist Paul Youden said he held Mr Southey in great respect and high esteem, both as a friend and a work colleague. "He was a quiet individual but one who could be trusted to get on with a job in a diligent and professional way."

Many former colleagues and friends joined Mr Southey's family at the funeral service at St Mary's Church, Dover, on Friday, July 17, which was followed by burial at St Mary's Cemetery.

Donations in his memory are being made to Brain Tumour UK via undertakers WJ Farrier at 161 London Road, Dover.