A man with one of the toughest jobs in Medway has died suddenly while on holiday.

Andy McGrath was a hugely respected senior council officer having worked his way up the ranks over 30 years with the authority and its predecessor.

The 56-year-old started out as a trading standards officer and eventually became an assistant director of frontline services.

It was this job that put him in charge of some of the most controversial areas of local public services like parking, traffic management, CCTV and local transport, including Chatham bus station.

Yet despite the brickbats and challenges of meeting the high levels of public expectation, Mr McGrath tackled his brief with professionalism and nearly always with a smile on his face.

He lived in Strood and leaves a wife Caroline and children Eleanor 29, Niall, 14 and Isobel 12. Before moving to Medway, he worked for his father’s cleaning firm and became a dispatch rider in the Bromley area.

"He was a really genuine person who took a real pride in Medway and not just as an officer, but as someone who lived here" - Cllr Phil Filmer

In a heartfelt tribute, the family said they were deeply saddened by his loss, describing him as “the best husband and father we could have asked for”

Originally from Bromley, he moved to the Medway Towns in 1989. Shortly after that, he set up a rock disco at the Ordnance Pub in Chatham and was an active member of the Medway Motorcycle Action Group.

The family added: “He was dedicated to improving public services for local people. He cared passionately about the people of Medway where he lived and worked.

“Andy was happy to see the positive change in the area across his near 30 years of service with Medway Council.”

Cllr Phil Filmer, who is charge of frontline services, said: “I have known Andy for many years and it was a pleasure to work with him.

“He was a really genuine person who took a real pride in Medway and not just as an officer, but as someone who lived here. I considered Andy a friend and we had planned to go to lunch when he came back from Holland.”

Neil Davies, the council’s chief executive, said: “Andy was a highly respected and well-loved officer and friend to so many colleagues and elected members at Medway Council.

“His commitment, dedication and professionalism in serving the community and supporting his colleagues was always greatly admired. He will be dearly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of working with him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”