A long-serving city and county councillor and former Lord Mayor of Canterbury has died aged 70.

Conservative Ian Thomas lost a battle with a short illness after being admitted to hospital on Saturday.

He died in intensive care at the QEQM in Margate on Tuesday.

His son, Rob, the leader of the city council, has paid tribute to his dad as “a man who would do anything for anyone”.

“Supporting the community was at the heart of everything that he did,” he said.

“Countless examples spring to mind, but none more so than when he went on a humanitarian aid trip to Kosovo in 1999 taking medical and food supplies to help those suffering during the crisis.

"They say a volunteer is better than 10 pressed men.

"You could guarantee that dad would be the first in line to step forward to help.

“As a husband and a father he was the epitome of a family man.

“I am blessed to have had the best parents a son could have. Without their love, guidance and support I genuinely wouldn’t have succeeded with any of the things I’ve been lucky enough to achieve.”

Cllr Thomas added his heartfelt thanks to the “national heroes” at the QEQM hospital, who cared for his father in his final days.

“We have also been touched by the response we’ve had from so many people,” he said.

“It’s clear that dad was much loved and respected by so many people.

“We shall miss dad enormously and will be forever grateful for having him in our lives.”

Cllr Thomas was first elected to the city council in 1997, representing Swalecliffe, where he had lived and worked since 1979.

He enjoyed a spell as Lord Mayor in the 2011/12 civic year and was helped by his wife, Suzanne, as Lady Mayoress, who chose Hounds for Heroes and the Dogs Trust in Chestfield as charities she wanted to support alongside Cllr Thomas’s other charitable work.

He played a key role on a host of council committees, including the Whitstable Harbour Board, Regeneration and Property Committee and Planning, which he chaired.

In the days of the executive system, Cllr Thomas held the housing and development portfolio.

City council chief executive Colin Carmichael said: “Our sincere condolences go to Cllr Ian Thomas’s family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.”

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