A former town mayor has died at the age of 92.

John Holland was Mayor of Ashford from 2009-2010, and had the distinction of being the town's youngest and oldest councillor.

He died after a short illness on Thursday, December 22.

Mr Holland joined Ashford Borough Council when he was just 22 and served until 2011, when he was 80.

He was honoured with the top civic role of mayor when he was 78, but it was a post which could have been short-lived.

Just 14 hours after becoming Mayor, he was almost killed by a falling tree which missed him by just inches.

He'd been out walking his dog when the 30ft tree fell just 20 seconds after he passed the spot.

He loved an adventure, and when he was 21 Mr Holland cycled from Ashford to Nice via the Alps complete with a tent and other paraphernalia.

He was first elected at the age of 22 to what was Ashford Urban District Council and he went on to become its vice-chairman and chairman of the parks and baths committee.

He also organised swimming lessons at the old open-air pool for non-swimming adults and he helped to teach children at weekends.

He then got a filtration plant installed, as Ashford’s outdoor pool got its water from the adjacent river.

He wasn't in favour of Ashford being a London overspill town, but fought hard to ensure that the people from London who came were properly integrated into the housing system rather than all put onto one estate which had been the original intention.

He was committed to his Trade Union – the Transport Salaried Staffs Association – and he fought rail line closures and supported equal pay for women.

Mr Holland had a long and proud record of public service on the old Urban District Council, Kingsnorth Parish Council and Borough Council.

He is survived by three adult sons – David, Andy and Jonathan.

David Holland, Mr Holland's eldest son, said: "Although it is sad facing a bereavement at Christmas, I am pleased that our father lived a long and full life.

"He was proud to serve the people of Ashford over many years, especially during his Mayoral reign. During his time, he made many friends and leaves us, in his own words, with no regrets."