Canterbury rock guitarist Martin Reed has died after a year-long battle with a brain tumour.

The Gizmo lead guitarist passed away at the Pilgrims Hospice on Friday, two weeks after his final band performance at Churchill's in Ramsgate.

The 49-year-old underwent an operation to remove the tumour in July last year, but despite radiotherapy and chemotherapy, it returned in March.

Doctors told the dad-of-two it was inoperable.

A guitar teacher at Mac's Music Shop in High Street, Herne Bay, Martin joined prog rock band Gizmo in 1984.

The band released their self-titled album Gizmo last year after reuniting in 2011 after a 15-year hiatus.

Band members paid tribute to Martin on the Gizmo Facebook page. It reads: "We miss him so much, and his passing is such a great loss to our band and the local music scene.

"Martin was a wonderful, kind, nice, considerate, inspirational and talented guy, who was much-loved by everyone who knew him. He is a hard act to follow.

"Our heartfelt love, thoughts, and condolences are with the family and friends he has left behind."

His funeral is due to take place before the end of the month.