Family abd friends gathered at the funeral of Brian Tupper, secretary of Penenden Heath Bowls Club at Maidstone, who has died at the age of 65.

Mourners are being asked to make donations to the charity he supported with his wife Edna, Operation Sunshine, which provides aid to Africa and other Third World countries.

Mr Tupper worked for SCA, formerly known as Reads at Aylesford Paper Mill, before retiring five years ago after 42 years' service.

His main interest was playing lawn bowls for Penenden Heath for 29 years. He served as its honorary secretary continuously for 25 years and was still doing so at the time of his death.

The club celebrated its 75th anniversary last year when Mr Tupper, as captain, was instrumental in leading the team to a season of success. He was also a former club president. He also leaves two children, David and Debbie.