A retired councillor who held one of his borough's highest honours has died.

Peter Bolt served as Judd ward councillor for 40 years at Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, retiring in April 2019.

In August Mr Bolt was appointed Honorary Freeman of Tonbridge and Malling - the highest honour council can bestow.

Nicolas Heslop, leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council said: "Peter was the most hard-working and dedicated councillor and always fought extremely hard to get the very best for the communities he served.

"He was the champion for the Judd ward over many years. He was the most polite and courteous of colleagues.

"He had a true passion for meeting residents, hearing their views and thoughts, as well as taking time to explain particular issues that might affect them.

"Soon after I moved to Tonbridge and then lived in the Judd ward, Peter canvassed me one evening; we had not previously met, yet he spent a good 20 minutes in conversation.

"I was very pleased that the mayor was able to present Peter with his Honorary Freeman just a few weeks ago.

"I know that this accolade meant an enormous amount to him and Margaret, Peter’s wife.

"Our thoughts are with Margaret and the family at this difficult time for them."

Peter Francis Bolt was first elected to Judd ward in May 1976, his time serving the ward would stretch across more than four decades, only losing his seat once between 1995 and 1999.

Before then he had been elected to Tonbridge Urban District Council.

Peter spent his professional career in insurance, living in Tonbridge with his wife of 55 years, Margaret, and his two children.

He was chairman of Highways on the town council, then chairman of Housing for Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, chairman of the Policy and Best Value Committee, member of Tonbridge Forum and many other roles through the years, including representative on Haysden Country Park Customer/User Panel from at least 2004 to 2019.

Peter was instrumental part in the raising for the barrier at the Leigh Storage Area in 1982.

He also drew up the plans Woodgate Way construction project to divert traffic away from the town on to the industrial estate.

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