The life of a long-standing and well-respected former councillor and mayor was remembered at her civic funeral.

Bronwen McGarrity, who was also a Freeman of the Borough of Gravesham, died on Christmas Day after battling ill-health for several months.

The service held at St George's Church, Gravesend at 11.30am today was led by The Reverend Jim Fletcher, Rector of St George’s.

Those in attendance included the Mayor of Gravesham, Cllr Lyn Milner; Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Dr Bhargawa Vasudaven DL; the deputy chief executive of Gravesham council, Nick Brown; Adam Holloway, MP for Gravesham; Cllr John Burden, the leader of Gravesham council; and Cllr Jordan Meade, Leader of the Conservative Group at Gravesham council.

It was also live streamed for those who could not attend but still wished to pay their respects.

During the service, the eulogy was given by Mr Holloway and the reading 1 Corinthians 23 was read by Cllr Diane Morton.

Civic tributes were also paid by Cllr John Burden, Cllr Jordan Meade and by Nick Brown.

Mrs McGarrity, 86, served as Conservative councillor for Central Ward from 2003 to 2011, and then again for Coldharbour Ward from 2015 to 2019.

In 2009, she was elected Mayor and received the Freedom of the Borough 10 years later in 2019.

Most of Mrs McGarrity's working life was spent as a maths teacher at the former Southfields School in Singlewell Road.

She was also treasurer at Gravesend Rowing Club and established the Ladies at Lunch Club.

Following the civic service, a private service for family and friends of Mrs McGarrity was held at Thamesview Crematorium, followed by a civic reception at The Woodville.