A well-known council groundsman who worked in Victoria Park for more than 20 years has died aged 82.

George Galdies moved to Ashford in March 1964 after being born in Turkey.

The dad-of-two, who has six great-grandchildren, was a regular face in the Kentish Express for years.

He worked for Ashford Borough Council as a groundsman and looked after Victoria Park for 21 years before retiring at 55.

His granddaughter Melanie Stanford, who lives in Brisbane, Australia, said: "George was a well-known member of the Ashford community.

"He was always contacting the council and papers to make sure the neighbourhood was maintained and kept safe for everyone else.

"He was a very selfless, wonderful man with a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.

"The world won’t be the same without him.

"He was a devoted husband, proud father, a loving grandad and a doting great-grandad who will forever be dearly missed, but never forgotten."

Mr Galdies, of Boxley, South Ashford, died last Wednesday following heart failure after becoming sick with pneumonia.

His wife Emmie - who Mr Galdies called Em - is still living in their Boxley home.

The pair had married in 1959.

Following his retirement, Mr Galdies continued working on private gardens while cheering up nearby garage workers with cups of tea and popping in for chats.

He had previously worked at a tailors in London before moving to Ashford.

He is survived by his son Joseph, daughter Helena, three granddaughters, two grandsons, three great-grandsons and three great-granddaughters.

His funeral will take place at Charing Crematorium on Monday (September 24) at 3.20pm. The wake will follow at the Kennington Carvery in Ulley Road.

Donations instead of flowers if desired the British Heart Foundation.