A SELECT group of friends gathered for a memorial service held for former Kent County Council chairman Barrie Clarke who has died at the age of 59.

Father Patrick Zammit led the congregation at St Vincent's Roman Catholic Church at Temple Hill, Dartford, in remembering a man who had dedicated his life to the Labour Party.

Mr Clarke had a successful career within the party which included acting as an agent for Sir Harold Wilson. He was the party's agent in Gravesend for some years and finally became the first Labour Party chairman of the county council.

Dartford MP Dr Howard Stoate sent his apologies for not being able to attend the ceremony but a letter was read on his behalf.

Mr Stoate said: "He had a great ability to enthuse and encourage everyone around him to give their all. His generosity of spirit is still remembered. I know how much he will be missed by his friends and family."

Margaret Berry, a friend of Mr Clarke's for some 20 years, said during the service: "When he became chairman of Kent County Council I had the pleasure of being his escort for a year. He loved the Labour Party. Everything he did was connected to the Labour Party."

Friends at the service fondly remembered his gift for mimicking Tony Benn, Lord James Callaghan and Sir Harold Wilson. They then joined together to sing the Red Flag.

Frank Gibson, chairman of Kent County Council, said: "I had known Barrie for many years. Although we were not of the same party we were always good friends."