ONE of the best-known members of the Royal British Legion in Kent, Tom Cork, has died at the age of 66. Mr Cork was ceremonial officer at the RBL in Aylesford, near Maidstone.

He had been a member of the Legion for around 30 years and joined after 20 years as a regular soldier, serving in Northern Ireland and Hong Kong. He was well known for organising and taking part in the Legion's parades all over the county as well as being a regular on pilgrimages to the war graves in France.

Mr Cork, of Columbine Close, East Malling, had been retired for a year but did occasional night shifts at the Kent Messenger Group's head office at Larkfield helping to load newspapers onto delivery lorries. He leaves a widow, Joan.

Royal British Legion spokesman John Partridge said: "He was dedicated to his duties and very well respected." Mr Cork died of double pneumonia and a stroke.