A memorial service to celebrate the life and achievements of Alan Cherry, the founding chairman of Countryside Properties and a major player in Kent and Medway regeneration, will be held in March.

Mr Cherry died on January 23 at the age of 76 after losing his battle with cancer. During his half century at the helm of Countryside Properties, which he founded in 1958, he created one of the UK’s leading housing and property development companies specialising in sustainable communities and urban regeneration.

He played an active role in Kent and Medway business life, chairing both the Kent Thameside Economic Board and Medway Economic Partnership. He was a board member of Kent Thameside Regeneration Partnership, a member of Thames Gateway Parklands High Level Strategy Group and a member of the Medway Renaissance Board.

The service will be held on Thursday March 18 at 2.30pm in Chelmsford Cathedral. It will be conducted by the Rt Revd Dr Laurie Green, the Bishop of Bradwell.

Mr Cherry’s family has expressed thanks for the many messages of sympathy and tributes. Donations in his memory can be made to Saint Francis Hospice via www.justgiving.com/alancherry.