The family of a long-serving retired councillor and mayor has paid tribute to their community-loving dad.

Kenneth Jones, who was a former ward councillor for Istead Rise, died on Friday, April 26 in “sad circumstances” at his home.

He moved to the estate as it was being built in the early 1960s and lived in Bracondale Avenue until 2016 when he moved to Lenham, near Maidstone, to be closer to his family.

The 95-year-old was a “man of the community” and became involved with the Istead Rise Association, helping to secure the community centre.

He was a trustee of the Memorial Hall even after he moved and was also a school governor for Istead Rise Primary School and Meopham Secondary School.

Kenneth even wrote a book about the history of the estate titled “The Rise of The Rise”.

His son Graham Jones said: “He was absolutely passionate about Istead Rise.

“He was a man of the community and he enjoyed doing things for the local area.

“He was never happier than when he was doing things for others in the area where he lived.

“He enjoyed giving something back and loved his time as mayor. A highlight was being invited to the Queen’s garden party.”

Kenneth served on Gravesham council since the 1980s as part of the Conservative party and became mayor in 2008.

He left the chambers around 2013 and during his retirement enjoyed gardening, playing lawn bowls, watching Countdown and The Chase and completing crosswords and sudoku.

Graham added: “He did Wordle every day and always asked ‘how many did you get it in?’.

“He was razor sharp. He had a great innings.”

Kenneth was married to his late wife Evelyn since 1954 and they had two children together, Imogen and Graham.

He leaves behind four grandchildren, Luke, Marcus, Kieran and Isabelle, and two great-grandchildren, Rosa and Amelia.

Leader of the opposition at Gravesham council, Cllr Jordan Meade (Con) said: “Gravesham Conservatives were deeply saddened to learn of Ken’s passing.

“He was a champion of the local party and a man who will be remembered for always putting his community first.

“He was a truly good man, who did so much good for Istead Rise and the wider Gravesham area.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as the community comes together in thanks for a life devoted to public service.”

His funeral service will take place at Thames View Crematorium, in Gravesend Road, Shorne, on Thursday (June 6) at 2pm.

Anyone who wants to join the family to pay their respects is invited and is also welcome to join afterwards at the council chamber in Gravesend to remember him.

Any donations in his memory can be made out to the Royal British Legion.