Tributes have been paid to a former council leader who served his community with a "twinkle in his eye" and a "winning smile" for five decades.

Ivor Jones, who served Stone Parish Council from 1955 until 2011 and was twice leader of Dartford council, has died aged 95.

Mr Jones was first elected to the then Dartford District Council in 1973, serving as a Labour councillor for the Stone South Ward.

He held the position of leader of the district council from 1974 to 1982.

In 1995, he was re-appointed as leader of the borough council, a position he held until 1998. He remained an elected member of Dartford council until he retired in 2007.

During his tenure Mr Jones passionately served the community of Stone alongside his wife and fellow councillor Dulcie, who passed away in 2014.

The couple married at St Mary’s the Virgin in Church Road in 1955 and had two daughters, Rachel and Ceinwen.

Ivor and Dulcie were Mayor and Mayoress of Dartford on two occasions and Ivor met Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger for the opening of his performing arts centre on the grounds of Dartford Grammar School in 2000.

Many local residents will also remember Ivor from his time as a teacher at Stone C of E School. He was also a longstanding member of the Stone Cricket Club.

Following his passing Stone Parish Council paid tribute to the former councillor.

A statement said: "The council is deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of former councillor Ivor Jones, who has played a significant role in representing the interests of the Stone Parish community since the mid-1950’s.

"Ivor was elected to Stone Parish Council in 1955 and served a record 56 years before retiring in 2011.

"He also represented Stone on the Dartford District Council, including as leader from 1974 to 1982, and was appointed by the Queen as a Deputy Lieutenant for Kent."

The council and its staff expressed its deepest sympathies to Ivor and Dulcie's two daughters, grandchildren and extended family.

Local Stone ward councillor Kelly Grehan, also paid tribute to the former Labour councillor, adding: "Really sad to hear Ivor Jones has died aged 95.

"I've fond memories of Ivor visiting us at school in the 1990s to talk to us about local politics.

"I send my love to Ivor and Dulcie's daughters Rachel and Ceinwen."

Current leader of the council Jeremy Kite also paid tribute to the former teacher and councillor.

Cllr Kite said he was very sad to learn of the death of Mr Jones who he says was instantly recognisable by the "twinkle in his eye" and "winning smile".

"He was a towering local figure but always friendly, passionate and approachable," the Tory leader said.

"People may be surprised to learn of the kindnesses and support that current and former council leaders provide to each other, even if there may be political differences between them, and Ivor was always friendly and ready to pass on his own style of quiet, sensible advice. "

Cllr Kite added: “He was dedicated to Dulcie and his family, but also to the people of Stone.

"Our town has many reasons to thank Ivor for his service and my thoughts and prayers go to his family.

"He will be long and fondly remembered by this town and its people.”

Ivor’s wife Dulcie Jones died in 2014. She served as a parish councillor from 1966 to 2011 and was Mayoress of Dartford in both 1998 and 2000, and deputy mayoress in 2002.

Her service was recognised in 2009 through the naming of Dulcie Close at Horns Cross.