The wife and friends of a much-loved ice cream man who died after an eight-year battle with bowel cancer have paid tribute to "a true gent".

Roy Wright, from Mangravet Avenue, in Maidstone, was an integral part of the community after serving customers for more than 40 years in his van, Roy's Whirral Whip.

A convoy of ice creams fans outside the church in Shepway, Maidstone

Roy was introduced to the ice cream industry by his father, Ray, who owned a van in Scotland.

He started working with his dad after school at the age of 14. Roy then moved down to Kent, where he eventually bought his own van.

Karen Wright, his childhood sweetheart, says they had been together since 1984 and were married for 27 years.

The 57-year-old says Roy was a very happy-go-lucky man.

She said: "I will miss his personality the most – the way he used to make me smile. He was just such a lovely guy.

"He would take every day as it comes, and was never unhappy, never sad, never really miserable.

"Roy was a family man, and although we had no children of our own, he had nieces and nephews.

"Our niece, Amy, lives with us, and loved Uncle Roy for the way he used to make her laugh and helped her with her schooling.

"Roy's other interests were fishing, gardening, travelling in his motorhome and his dog, Tess.

"He was a great friend to many and will be so missed."

For 44 years, Roy covered rounds in Allington, Barming, Tovil and Larkfield – serving thousands of happy residents, many of whom he used to serve now have children of their own.

This morning, a convoy of ice cream vans lined Northumberland Road, in Shepway, Maidstone, to pay tribute at Roy's funeral.

Scores of friends and family arrived just before 11am at St Martin's Church in beautifully sunny conditions for Roy's send off.

In total, 10 ice cream vans parked outside along the street.

Karen says he was very popular with all his customers and lots will miss his little chats.

She added: "I don't think I ever heard anybody who had a bad word against him.

"Even through his fight with cancer he never gave up and there was a lot of customers who didn't even realise he was that ill, because he would still be working.

"So when people learnt that he had actually died, they were quite shocked."

Tributes poured in for the ice cream driver and passionate gardener.

Following the news, Roy's colleague and friend, Stephanie Pickles, said: "I have known Roy for many years and he used to serve me as a child.

"When I decided to buy my own ice cream van in 2009, he showed me the ropes and helped me within the trade.

"We always used to chat on the phone for hours on end while at work, and would meet up for a cup of tea if it had been a mental day."

In a tribute on Facebook, Stephanie said: "My dear friend, the one who taught me everything I know within our industry, the true legend within the ice cream trade and to his many loyal customers.

"A true gent and one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet.

"Mr Roy Wright, Ice Cream Legend and loved by many."

Residents have also posted heart-warming messages on social media, with one saying: "So sorry to hear this. Roy used to park up outside my school when I was younger and in recent years has been there to serve ice cream for my daughter, he will be sorely missed in the community."

Another said: "My condolences to his family, I have many a fond memory as a child and an adult of you Roy, even my children got to be blessed by Roy the ice cream man!

"One of my fondest memories was you handing me my ice cream as a child, to then slip it threw your fingers several times before finally letting me have it, it was hilarious then and still tickles me pink now, we always left your ice cream van with a smile because of who you are.

"Thank you for making a part of my childhood funny and magical...such a lovely man, never forgotten."

Karen commented: "I was so touched, as I didn't realise that he knew that many people, and that they respected him as much as he respected his customers.

"It was touching to know he was so well respected and liked."

Roy died on Friday, May 13, at the Heart Of Kent Hospice.

The 55-year-old had battled with bowel cancer since December 2014, and had more than 22 operations over the course of eight years.

Roy's funeral was held on Tuesday.

Multiple ice cream vans, driven by close friends followed behind the possession.

Once the service had finished, the vans pulled out of St Martin's Church in Shepway and they sounded their chimes to pay respect.