TRIBUTES have been paid to a 70-year-old former butcher who died after falling into the path of a bus.

John Page worked for Dewhurst Butchers for more than 20 years. He retired after the Mortimer Street branch in Herne Bay closed early in 2002 following a company takeover. He lived alone after the death a few years ago of his mother, who shared his home at Herne.

Dennis and Hannelore Cooper, of Leighville Drive, Herne Bay, both worked with Mr Page before they too retired. Mrs Cooper said: John was such a lovely man. He was a real darling and lovely to work with.”

Mr Cooper added: “I was manager of the Herne Bay butchers and worked there for 16 years but John was with Dewhurst even longer. He worked at their shops in Dover and Thanet as well as in Herne Bay."

The accident happened on Thursday on November 17. It is believed Mr Page tripped on an advertising sign outside Kenwins Newsagents in the High Street.

The section of the High Street, between East Street and North Street, was closed for three hours while police crash investigators examined the scene.

All passengers on the number 4A Stagecoach double-decker, travelling between Herne Bay and Canterbury, were transferred to another bus and the driver treated for shock.

Mr Page was pronounced dead on arrival at the Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.