VETERAN former Gillingham councillor Ray Griffiths has lost his long battle against cancer.

The former deputy mayor and champion fund-raiser died peacefully at his home in the Brompton area of the town. He was 69.

Mr Griffiths, who was also a Kent county councillor, was well known for his charity talent shows and Christmas appeals for needy children.

He leaves a widow, Shirley, a son and three stepchildren. The funeral will be held at St Barnabas Church in Duncan Road, Gillingham, next Wednesday at 1.30pm followed by cremation at Medway Crematorium. All are welcome to attend.

Flowers or donations should be sent to King's College Hospital, London or Friends of Wisdom Hospice through John Weir Funeral Directors, Gillingham.