FRIENDS and family have paid tribute to a former builder and undertaker who died after a road accident.

Hugh 'Slim’ Mitchell, 83, was also a talented jazz musician and had a love for the work of Charles Dickens.

Mr Mitchell, of Dickens Avenue, Canterbury, died from injuries suffered after his car was in collision with another vehicle in Tankerton on Friday, October 21.

Having been conscious after the accident, he slipped into a coma two days later while in hospital and never recovered.

Mr Mitchell featured as a drummer in two well-known bands in the 1950s, first with the Eddie Newport Band and then the Regency Dance Band, appearing regularly at Dreamland in Margate.

Close friend Cyril Coe, 83, is uncle of jazz musician Tony Coe who will play at Mr Mitchell’s funeral.

“He was a talented drummer with great technique," said Mr Coe. "He could play anything. He was always good company and had a real passion for Charles Dickens and for local history.”

Medically unfit to serve in the armed forces, Mr Mitchell joined his father Herbert and brother Reginald to form H.A. Mitchell and Sons builders and undertakers at Wincheap.

Mr Mitchell never married and had no children, moving from the family home in Wincheap, Canterbury, to Dickens Avenue only last year with partner Joyce West.

Niece Susan Farley said: “Everyone except his immediate family knew him as Slim.

“After Reginald had a stroke a few years ago, Hugh’s first priority was to help him and look after him. He was a caring man.”

The funeral will take place at St Nicholas Church, Thanington, on Monday, November 14, at 11am.