A thanksgiving service for Lord Sandy Bruce-Lockhart was held today at Canterbury Cathedral.

Lord Sandy died aged 66 in August after a lengthy battle against cancer.

Several hundred people attended today's service, led by The Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, the Very Rev Robert Willis.

Readings were given by the former Conservative leader and Kent MP Michael Howard and KCC deputy leader Cllr Alex King.

Lord Sandy led Kent County Council between 1997 and 2005 and was regarded as one of the most influential figures in local government and in the Conservative party.

He is credited with having transformed the county council under his stewardship and it became one of the best-performing authorities in the country.

Shortly before his death, he described himself in an interview with the Kent Messenger as "the ultimate Kent fan".

He was knighted in 2002, became the chairman of the Local Government Association in 2004 and made a life peer in 2006.

He continued as a county councillor and at the time of his death, was the chairman of English Heritage.