The life of a long-standing ex-town councillor will be celebrated on Monday.

Former sea captain Reg Belcourt, 75, from Hythe, died on June 15 on the return journey home from Mauritius.

Father of five Mr Belcourt had just embarked on a three week holiday when he fell over breaking both his shoulders.

But complications from surgery followed and he was put into intensive care.

His children flew out to be by his side and arranged a private medical plane to bring him home.

But he died on the return flight to the UK during a crew change over in Nuremberg.

The cause of death is still not known.

Tributes have been since been paid to Mr Belcourt, whose full name was Louis Edwin Regis Belcourt, but known as Reg.

His daughter Stephanie said, on behalf of the whole family: "He was wonderful, kind family man, who will be missed so much by his children and grandchildren.

"He did so much for everyone, and for his town.

"His kindness and wisdom will always be remembered by his children Jenny, Christopher, Kevin, Gary and Stephanie who all loved him so much."

Mr Belcourt, also a grandfather of 13, was a member of Hythe Town Council for a total of 16 years, serving from 1999-2003 and from 2007-2019.

He was married to Keren Belcourt, former mayor of the town who died in 2014 after a fall at home.

He was previously a sea captain, having worked for Stena Line.

His funeral will be held at St Leonard's Church, off Oak Walk, in Hythe on Monday, July 8 at 2.30pm.

The service will be carried out by Rev Tony Windross, who also performed Mrs Belcourt's service.

A celebration of his life will follow from 5.30pm, details of which will be given at the funeral service.

Mr Belcourt's ex-town council colleague Alan Ewart-James, 76, also paid tribute to his friend. He said: "He was a very generous man, very sociable and always on the go.

He was very active; he did a tremendous amount for the town. He was involved in organising the Christmas lights and Hythe in Bloom, the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary."

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