THE death has been announced of Viscount Monckton of Brenchley, a former war hero who was one of Kent's most prominent figures.

He died at his home in the village of Harrietsham, near Maidstone, at the age of 90.

Viscount Monckton, a career soldier, was awarded the Military Cross shortly before the evacuation of British troops from Dunkirk in 1940.

He had joined the Army before the start of the Second World War and retired in 1967 as a Major General. After his retirement he played an active role in county affairs.

The father of five was a former president of the Kent Association of Boys’ Clubs for many years and president of the Canterbury-based Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies from 1964 to 2000.

He was born at Ightham Mote, Ivy Hatch near Sevenoaks. His funeral will be held at 11.30am on Friday, June 30, at All Saints' Church, Brenchley.

FULL STORY IN FRIDAY'S KENT MESSENGER