KENT football is mourning the loss of Kent County Football Association president Ernie Bennett who has died following a short illness. He was 87.

Mr Bennett, who lived at Prentis Close, Sittingbourne, had been KCFA president for more than 20 years.

Paying tribute to him, KCFA chairman Barry Bright said: "Ernie was a hard working administrator within Kent football who became known to so many clubs through his numerous visits. But his first love was Sittingbourne Football Club to whom he was a former trustee and in latter years president.

"He similarly had a great affection for Milton Athletic of the Kent County League. He will be sorely missed by all of Kent football."

Mr Bennett is survived by his widow, Stella, and two sons.