A former councillor who served as Mayor of Swale has died following a short illness.

Bryan Mulhern, who was born in 1952, took up the mayoral position between 2005 and 2006.

He also served as Mayor of Faversham between 1991 and 1992 before stepping down from Faversham Town Council and Swale council at the 2019 election.

Mr Mulhern had served the people of Faversham as Abbey Ward councillor for the best part of 40 years.

He volunteered with organisations including the Faversham Carnival Club and brought acts from Brighton to Faversham's first Pride festival, according to a statement made by Faversham Town Council.

The statement added: "Bryan was deeply respected by those from all political parties and none.

"As was demonstrated by the large turnout at the ceremony held by the town council in November, when he was awarded the title Honorary Freeman of the Town and Port of Faversham by the current mayor Cllr Alison Reynolds BEM.

"Bryan’s passing is a great lost for Faversham."

"Bryan always tried to work constructively, supporting new councillors in finding their feet, and working cross-party to do what he believed to be the right thing.

"Bryan worked hard for Faversham, and especially for the people of Abbey Ward. He helped countless people during his term of office, with a variety of case work from planning issues to street cleansing.

"Bryan’s passing is a great loss for Faversham. Our condolences go out to Bryan’s friends and family at this difficult time."

Mr Mulhern also served as chairman of the council's Planning Committee, standing down at the election last year.

The council's cabinet member for planning, Cllr Mike Baldock (Swale Ind), said: "I only knew him for four years but he was always a friendly, charming person who took time out to have a chat with you and was always a nice decent bloke."

Mr Mulhern worked for Shepherd Neame for 50 years, becoming a connoisseur of master brew.

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