A much-loved family man known as the "Cheeky Butcher" will be remembered as an "amazing dad" following his death at 56.

Paul Hoult, who was given his nickname while working for JC Rook & Sons for almost 20 years, has died following a battle with a brain tumour.

It was at the shop in Deal - which closed earlier this year - that he met his future wife, Jamie.

The couple went on to have two children and later supported 15 more after taking up fostering in 2014.

Remembering her partner, who she was with for 28 years, Jamie said: "He was an amazing husband, dad and grandad who could turn his hand to anything, and it was never too much trouble to help anybody.

"People trusted him and everyone knew his face.

"Many people knew him as the 'Cheeky Butcher' because he was always laughing and joking with customers.

"I couldn’t have asked for a better husband - he spoiled me rotten.

"The kids say he was the most amazing father and they never wanted for everything."

Paul was born in Dover but grew up in Princes Street, Deal, where he lived before moving to Great Mongeham 10 years ago.

He started working at Rooks the day after he left school, later becoming the high street shop's delicatessen manager.

In 2001 he left Rooks to set up his own handyman business, Paul's, and was often seen driving around Deal in his red van.

He mainly did painting, decorating and gardening, but took on any other jobs thrown at him.

He also cleaned the Downs Sailing Club in Deal three times a week for about 20 years.

Paul and Jamie had two children, Melissa, 26, and David, 23, and a six-year-old granddaughter, Lacey.

But in 2014, the couple, who married in 2007, also began fostering and over the years have supported 15 young people.

Jamie, 44, said: "He has really made a difference to the lives of young people, who will also really miss him."

Paul, a huge Queen fan, spent the last year battling a glioblastoma brain tumour - an aggressive form of cancer he was diagnosed with in October 2021.

Sadly a decision was taken to stop his treatment in September, and he died at home with his family by his side on November 15.

His funeral will take place at 10am on Monday, December 5, at Barham Crematorium at 10am.

Jamie says anybody who would like to celebrate his life is welcome to join.

Donations are also being collected through funeral directors EB Cavells for Brain Tumour Research, a charity which supported Paul throughout his treatment.