Edwin Boorman, president of the family-owned KM Group, has passed away after a short illness aged 76.

Mr Boorman had previously served as managing director, chief executive and chairman of the company, which owns a portfolio of weekly newspapers, websites and radio stations across Kent.

He took on the role of president in January 2006, passing the chairman's baton to his daughter Geraldine.

Mr Boorman is a former president of the Newspaper Society, serving from 2001 to 2002.

He was awarded an OBE in 2002 for his services to the Royal British Legion in Kent.

He had been taken ill just before Christmas, and passed away peacefully last night.

KM Group managing director Richard Elliot paid tribute to Mr Boorman, whom he described as "a great figure with a true passion for local journalism".

He added: "Edwin helped build a company that everyone at the KM Group is proud to work for, and we will all miss him greatly. Our thoughts and best wishes are with Geraldine and all the family."

Mr Boorman was the third generation in a family that has owned the business since the late 1800s.

The Newspaper Society Golden Jubilee Luncheon in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Under his leadership, the KM Group expanded into radio and digital with the launch of kmfm andkentonline.co.uk. Its newspaper portfolio includes the Kent Messenger, Medway Messenger, Kentish Gazette and Kentish Express.

KCC deputy leader Cllr Alex King said: "Edwin was someone who made a great contibution to the county, not just through his stewardship of the KM Group but through his charitable work and particularly through his involvement in the British Legion.

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"He has played an enormous part in making Kent the place it is and throughout the decades helped shape the county and he will be remembered for that."

He would be remembered as "an urbane, charming and civilised man" who was "unfailingly courteous even if he disagreed with you."

Viscount De L'Isle, Lord Lieutenant of Kent, said: "Edwin Boorman a recently retired Deputy Lieutenant of Kent was a famous son of the county, who worked enthusiastically and tirelessly for countless Kent Charities for many years.

"Mr Boorman received the Spirit of Kent Award from HRH The Prince of Wales on 20 March 2007, which recognised the great contribution he made to the life of the county."