A former mayor of Tunbridge Wells who was 'a tremendous family man' has died.

Mike Rusbridge, ward councillor for Southborough North, passed away at Hospice in the Weald on Friday and tributes have flooded in.

The 69-year-old served as a borough councillor for 17 years and was elected mayor of the town in 2008, a role council leader David Jukes said he carried out with 'warmth and dignity'.

He also served on a range of council committees and was most recently cabinet portfolio holder for finance and governance.

Mr Jukes added: "Mike was a tremendous family man and local businessman who dedicated his life to making Southborough and the borough a better place. He held just about every position there is to hold on the council and I was proud to work alongside him. He is a great loss to us all and to me personally as a friend."

The much-loved father and grandfather, of Yew Tree Road, also owned family run business, Rusbridge Family Bakery, based in Southborough.

Jonathan MacDonald, deputy chief executive of Tunbridge Wells Borough Concil said: "We were all incredibly saddened to learn of Mike’s death. He was a shining example of what a local councillor should be, serving his community and proud to represent Southborough.

"He was a very warm and hugely popular figure who will be much missed. Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time."