Friends and family paid tribute to Riverview's "dog whisperer" as a bench was erected in his honour.

Victor Clarke, known as Vic, passed away on Sunday, December 30 at the age of 83.

He had lived in Gravesend all his life, known for his selfless nature, strong work ethic and unwavering kindness.

Yesterday, a bench was placed in the field next to Cascades Leisure Centre, Thong Lane, in his memory.

Mr Clarke was from nearby Leander Drive, Riverview Park, for 60 years, and was known for his love of animals.

He would look after neighbours' pets while they were at work or on holiday, accepting donations for dog charities instead of payment.

His bench will now sit in one of his favourite dog-walking spots.

Debbie Merrison, 59, began raising funds for the new fixture shortly after Mr Clarke died.

Also from Riverview, she had met Mr Clarke through her dad, Fred Pollard, who was one of his lifelong friends.

In total, £1,391 was donated - with any surplus cash going to the Dog's Trust, or hospice charity, ellenor.

Debbie said: "It was absolutely fantastic, and the council was brilliant.

"Vic would have been blown away, he was quite a humble man, and he would have been absolutely over the moon."

Council workers even let dogs put their pawprints in the cement, in tribute to the man who gave up so much of his time to care for them.

Fred, 80, who now lives in Pegwell Bay, Ramsgate, was a close friend of Mr Clarke's for almost 75 years.

He said: "The first experience I had of Vic was when I was about five.

"I was getting my kite out in the marshes, and he was there with me, helping me to make it - as we did in those days.

"While we were there, he realised I had a hole in the bottom of my shoe, and showed me how to fill it with some old lino.

"He was an absolutely lovely, lovely man; you couldn't say enough good words about him."

The pair worked together for years, going out 'mushrooming', and picking fruit to earn money - putting in 12 hour days to save money for their holidays.

Later, they worked at Northfleet Paper Mill, before Mr Clarke moved on to Slade Green Train Depot.

They were eventually reunited at Blaybourne Paper Converters, where they stayed until retirement.

Fred added: "Anything you needed, he'd help.

"He was always caring for the other bloke, looking after the other person.

"He would have done anything, for anyone, even if he had to go out of his way - he'd get upset if he couldn't help.

"I would have loved to have been able to put my arm round him at the end. He was my oldest friend - they don't make them like that any more."

Nick Brown, director of environment and operations at Gravesham council, said: "We were really pleased to be able to install this bench, which is a lovely memory of a respected member of the community who meant so much to many people."