A “gentle soul” who lived in the woods for 20 years and was known for his love of animals was killed by a falling tree as he cycled along a country lane.

Jimmy Shilling, who was affectionately known as “five-dogs” because of the many pets he kept, tragically died in the freak accident in Faversham.

The death of the 66-year-old has saddened people in the village of Painters Forstal, where Jimmy had been sleeping in a van in the woods for two decades.

Described as friendly and sensitive, Jimmy was well-liked locally and is said to have smiled and spoke to everyone he came across on daily walks to and from the town centre.

“He had the respect of a lot of people because he lived his own life,” said villager David Wheatley, who knew Jimmy for more than 20 years.

“He didn’t ask for anything or want for anything. He was a very affable person, unique, the kind of person you don’t come across very often these days.”

Despite his living conditions being considered rough by many, Jimmy is said to have cared for as many as 13 dogs, as well as cats and foxes.

“He wasn’t a hermit, and he wasn’t a reclusive person,” added Mr Wheatley, “he just chose to live the life that he wanted to live.”

Speaking to the BBC in 2017 for a news story about his living situation, Jimmy said: “Technically speaking, I’m homeless and I have been for 14 years, but I’ll never look on myself as being homeless.

“I’m just someone who lives a bit different from everybody else.

“You get cold in the winter, but it’s just a small price to pay for the way you live.”

Jimmy, who went to Eastling Primary School, is remembered as a religious man who knew his Bible well and had learned a number of skills and crafts.

He taught himself to play the banjo, the accordion and the piano.

He was also a handy repairman and enjoyed handcrafting with wood and metal, and later worked as a gardener for many years.

One person who knew him well but preferred not to be named said of Jimmy: “He was a kind, true and genuine man and an animal lover. He lived a quiet but appreciative life, god rest his soul.”

“I don’t think he would have survived without the loving support of his village, it’s incredible that a community gathered around him - it’s truly an act of God’s love...”

Jimmy was killed by a falling tree as he cycled along Box Lane near Ospringe at about 7.30am on September 22.

Emergency services were called to the scene but could do nothing to save his life.

Jimmy’s funeral will be held tomorrow (Monday) at 2pm at St Mary’s Church in Eastling.

Reverend Caroline Turvey, who will conduct the service, says she regrets she never had the chance to meet Jimmy, who she says clearly meant so much to the people of his village.

“Having spoken to so many people, it’s clear that he was really well-loved,” she said.

“People say he smiled, waved and chatted to everyone, and everyone seemed to accept him for the way he lived.

“I don’t think he would have survived without the loving support of his village. It’s incredible that a community gathered around him - it’s truly an act of God’s love.

“I feel sad that I didn’t meet him myself.”

James Ransom is the Pastor at the Gospel Mission in Faversham, where Jimmy would often stop by.

Remembering his friend with a comment on Facebook, Mr Ransom said: “Jimmy was a real star; he used to bring his dogs into church and loved a chat.

“His last dog, ‘Black Kettle’, died about a year ago. He looked after many feral cats and occasionally a fox.

“He had been riding a bike since his dog died. I would talk to him regularly at Tesco where the staff really looked after him, and would take his list and fill his bags for him.

“He was a real character, a gentle soul who would love nothing more than a cuppa and someone to talk to. RIP my friend.”