A much-loved butcher and dad-of-three has been described as a “legend” and a “brilliant man” following his sudden death.

Tributes have poured in to highly respected businessman Carl Worgan, who ran shops bearing his name in Faversham and Canterbury.

The popular family man was the face of CA Worgan’s Butchers, supplying food to Michelin Guide restaurants and being nominated for multiple awards.

He tragically died on January 13, leaving family, friends and colleagues devastated.

Younger brother Sean Worgan told how Carl had been a huge influence in his life.

“You weren’t just my big brother you know,” he wrote on Facebook.

“You are my hero, my idol, my inspiration, and I am who I am today because of you.

“There is no better big brother. Sleep tight brother. I love you kid.”

Sean’s partner, Emma Blackmore, added: “He'll be massively missed by everyone.

“I owe him everything. He made Sean the man he is today and I’ll be forever grateful that we had him in our life.”

Carl had moved down to Kent from Wigan, and in 2012 started his own business, first trading from The Goods Shed in Canterbury.

In 2016, he picked up the coveted Kent Butcher Shop of the Year title at the Taste of Kent Awards.

Three years later, he opened a shop in Frog Lane, Bishopsbourne, before expanding operations to the market town of Faversham in 2022.

His generosity during the pandemic won him many plaudits, with a decision to not charge customers delivery fees proving to be a popular move.

The Faversham site in East Street will remain closed indefinitely following Carl’s death, with many residents in the area lamenting the loss of the larger-than-life character.

Maureen Gregory described Carl as “such a lovely chap & a brilliant butcher”, while John Woodall noted the business owner was “so liked and respected”, with his death being “a real loss” to the community.

Sarah Connor said Carl was “a true professional whose kindness and humour shone”, adding: “There's one very bright star in heaven shining over Canterbury.”

Megan Lord, who had worked with Carl, called him “ace”, describing him as “one of the best managers I ever had”.

Kayleigh Roberts, another who had worked under Carl, added: “He was a brilliant man and even better manager, we always had a good laugh – usually ending up with one of us in the freezer units.

“Every time I hear Fairytale of New York, it still reminds me of him with it on replay at Xmas in the shop.”

Carl leaves behind his beloved partner, Adele, who had been with him since she was 17, and their three children.

His funeral is set to be held at 1.20pm on Thursday, February 1, at Barham Crematorium, with any donations going to mental health charity MIND.