MEMORIALS to honour Sir Edward Heath are being planned in Thanet where the former Prime Minister grew up, was educated and returned to visit throughout his life.

And next Tuesday, November 8, a thanksgiving service is to be held at Westminster Abbey to honour him.

The elder statesman of British politics was born in Broadstairs in July, 1916, and died of pneumonia at his home in Salisbury in July, aged 89.

Thanet council chairman Cllr Jeffrey Kirkpatrick, will be among the invited guests at Tuesday's service.

A great admirer of Sir Edward, he said: “At one time a commemorative plaque was to be fixed to the house in St Peter’s where Sir Edward grew up, but the owners then were not too keen on the idea. They have moved on and perhaps this idea could be resurrected.”

John Mathews, head teacher of Chatham House Grammar School, Ramsgate, where Sir Edward was a student from 1926-1935, is also among the invited guests. He said: “He was a keen supporter of many of our projects, most recently our successful bid as a specialist school for maths, science and computing. We will name part of the maths, computing and science suite in his memory.”

Broadstairs and St Peter’s mayor Cllr John Fullarton will also be going to the memorial service. Town councillor Bill Peppiatt, who sang in the annual carol concert Sir Edward used to conduct in the town, is calling for the proposed community hall in Pierremont Park to be named in his honour.

Mr Heath was a long-standing member of the Royal Temple Yacht Club, Ramsgate, where his cousin Mary Fomison is administrator of the navigation school.

Club secretary Jean Beale said: “He will always be remembered for his competitive spirit and love for this area as a place to return to for relaxation. The yacht club is identifying the most appropriate memorial.”

He won the coveted gold cup while racing Morning Club at the club’s regatta in 1969. His pinnacles of success as a yachtsman was winning the Sydney-Hobart race in 1969, and captaining the British team that won the Admiral’s Cup in 1971.

Mr Heath’s period as prime minister will be remembered for his decision to lead Britain into the European Common Market in January 1973. He stood down as an MP in 2001 after a political career spanning 51 years. He was knighted in 1992 and retired from politics in 2001.