TRIBUTES have been paid to a tireless and active member of two communities who has died of a heart attack.

A service at St Mary’s church in Rolvenden, near Tenterden, was held for 67-year-old Trevor Howes.

Mr Howes moved from Croydon to Smarden in 1988 and then to Rolvenden and proved to be a popular and hard-working member of both communities.

His wife Barbara told the Kentish Express: “He was extremely active from the moment he retired as chief executive of the Guardian building society.

“In Smarden he was chairman of the Conservative Association and he joined Tenterden Lions. He also founded the Friends of Smarden Church, which involved fund-raising for the fabric of the church.”

Mrs Howes added: “He also set up the garden safaris in Smarden that have become so popular and an annual event.”

Their move to Rolvenden in 1992 saw Mr Howes continue his good work.

Mrs Howes said: “He was secretary of the Lions for about 12 years and when he came to Rolvenden he was immediately taken up as treasurer of the Conservative Association.

“About two years ago he set up the Weald of Kent Computer Club.”

She added: “When he was 14 he was diagnosed as diabetic. He never wanted people to know, he wanted to be accepted on his own basis.

“He was very strong, had a great sense of humour and he was a perfectionist.”

Mr Howes leaves two sons, Julian, 39, who lives in Norfolk, Duncan, 35, of Woodchurch, and four grandchildren.