Former Gravesham council leader and Freeman of the borough Frank Gibson has died.

His death was announced today by Gravesham council's chief executive David Hughes, who described Mr Gibson as one of "life's true gentlemen".

He was 89.

Mr Hughes said: "Frank made an enormous contribution to the work of the Borough Council and Kent County Council over many years and was most certainly one of life's true gentlemen.

"It is most fitting that in being made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough he was awarded the greatest honour the Borough Council can bestow.

"He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered for many years to come."

Mr Gibson served as Gravesham mayor in 1985 and was awarded the OBE in 1994 for his services to Kent County Council where he was member for 20 years.

He was made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough in 1995.

In 2009 he was one of the first to be made an Honorary Alderman of KCC. He was a trustee of two local charities, including the Elizabeth Huggins Cottages Charity Trust.

He is survived by his seven children and 11 grandchildren.