Police are still investigating the death of a 101-year-old woman six months after she passed away in a Whitstable care home.

Vera Strand, formerly of Green Lane, finally had her funeral at Whitstable Cemetery but the cause of death remains unknown as inquiries continue.

She died at Bradbury Grange care home in Canterbury Road on November 29, last year.

Police spokesman Sally Smith said: “The circumstances surrounding the death of Vera Strand remain under investigation and inquiries are ongoing.”

She was the wife of the late Jack Strand and following the funeral, friends and family gathered at the Umbrella Cafe in Whitstable High Street.

Her death came two months after an inspection which rated the home inadequate in all areas.

A report by the Care Quality Commission said the standard of food on offer was largely criticised by people and relatives.

During the health watchdog’s visit, one person sent out for food because their lunch had been “inedible”.

The report added: “Some areas of the home remained unhygienic including toilets, commodes and toilet seat risers.

“Toilet brushes were heavily soiled in some instances, but had not been included on cleaning schedules to ensure they were kept clean.

“There was no record or schedule of when people’s bed linen was changed and some people remarked that they felt changes were infrequent.

“People’s living conditions were not consistently hygienic.”

Methodist Homes, in charge of Bradbury Grange, issued an apology following the report and revealed there was an action plan to be fully implemented by the end of December last year.

The firm guaranteed residents, relatives and staff that measures would be taken to monitor the home with enhanced leadership.