The funeral takes place on Monday of one of Herne Bay's best known characters who lost his battle with cancer.

When Royston Brett was told his illness was terminal, there was a daily stream of friends to his door, anxious to say their farewells.

His family says it was an indication of just how popular the 78-year-old painter and decorator was.

Widely known as Buster, he died at his home in Dence Close, Herne Bay, on August 20 – six weeks after being told his illness was not treatable.

He had a large family and his daughter, Victoria Stenning, 45, cared for him in his dying days, with the help of husband Ian and daughter Macie.

She said: "When the doctors told him there was nothing they could do, he just wanted to be at home and enjoy the rest of his days surrounded by family, friends and enjoying good food.

"But we were amazed by just how many people called by. There was a daily stream of people and plenty of laughs."

Buster was born in Herne in 1938, but soon moved to Black Griffin Lane in Canterbury and attended Holy Cross Infants and St Dunstan’s school.

Sadly, his father was killed in the war, and he later moved to the Querns Road estate.

He came to Herne Bay in 1973 with his then-wife Barbara – he was married three times – and was a popular character in local pubs, most lately the Prince of Wales.

He also continued working until a few weeks before he was taken ill.

Long-time friend Mick Goldfarb 76, said: "He was a real social butterfly and a bit of a ladies’ man.

"You always went away happier having spent time with Buster because he was the most social bloke you could meet and he made everyone laugh.

"He was part of an informal social club of blokes of all ages who would meet up at various pubs. Everyone knew Buster."

Following Buster’s diagnosis, his 82-year-old brother, Ray, flew over from his home in Las Vegas to see him.

A large attendance is expected at his funeral at Barham crematorium at 3.20pm on Monday, September 5, which will be followed by a wake at the Prince of Wales.

The family say any donations can be made to the Red Cross via Beltinge and District Funeral Services in Reculver Road, Beltinge.