The funeral is being organised for a former Tilmanstone Colliery employee, described by his son as a "loving father and grandfather", who died in the mystery road smash on the A256.

Brian Dempster, 73, a widower, of Terrace Road, Elvington, was driving a Fiesta and the driver of the second vehicle was taken to hospital.

Mr Dempster’s son Garry, from Sturry, said: "Loads of friends and colleagues from Tilmanstone Colliery Welfare Club will know my father, who was a regular visitor to the club.

"The driver of the Fiesta was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Mondeo was been taken to the Queen Mother Hospital, Margate, with chest injuries."
A police spokesman said: "A red Ford Fiesta used a right turn slip road dedicated to buses at the junction with Dover Road at Tilmanstone on Thursday, June 30.
"I will remember him as a loving father and grandfather to his three granddaughters."

* Anyone who saw Thursday’s collision is asked to contact the police witness appeal line on 01622 798538. For full story see the East Kent Mercury and Dover Mercury, page five.