Derek Collins, of Lynmouth Drive, Minster, told us of a dramatic life-saving event during the snow of 1987.

He was skipper of the Medway Rhino, which was used to take 30 tons of vitally-needed medicines from the Abbotts chemical factory in Queenborough to the mainland.

The 68-year-old, who was skipper of the Medway Ports owned salvage vessel for 38 years, said: “The A249 was blocked by the snow.

“Abbotts had to use 4X4s to take the stuff to Sheerness Docks where they were loaded on to my boat and then taken to Strood Pier. It was an amazing one-off trip which I shall never forget. I remember that the harbourmaster at Sheerness Docks at the time was Captain Geoffrey Baskerville.”