A FORMER mayor who was awarded an MBE in 1996 for his services to a Kent town has died.

Stuart Spears, 82, lived in Middle Deal Road, Deal, and in January he celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife Doris.

The couple met during the Second World War at Betteshanger Colliery when Mr Spears worked in the wages department and Mrs Spears was a typist.

He joined the Army and had special leave from the Royal Army Medical Corps for the wedding at St Martin’s Church, Great Mongeham.

Mr Spears, known as Oscar, returned to work at the colliery, retiring in 1974 as assistant personnel manager.

As a Labour Party councillor in Deal, he became the mayor in 1974 for a year and was civic leader again two years later. He was also a member of the district council.

He was a member and committee member of many groups and organisations, including the Deal, Walmer and Kingsdown Regatta Association.

Maureen Bane, president of the Friends of Deal Hospital, paid tribute Mr Spears who was president when she was hospital manager.

She said: “As president of the Friends he was a great supporter of Deal Hospital and really cared about the welfare of the staff and the future of the hospital.

“He was a very special man and the epitome of the word gentleman.”

Mr Spears, who leaves two sons and four grandchildren, died at the Queen Mother Hospital, Margate.