KENT-born millionaire and philanthropist Sir Jack Hughes has died in hospital in Sussex. He was 89.

Sir Jack, who had been one of the UK’s leading chartered surveyors and a major benefactor of the arts, died in hospital in Brighton with his Polish-born second wife, Helena, at his bedside.

Jack William Hughes was born in Maidstone on September 26, 1916. He was educated at Maidstone Grammar School and at London University where he gained a BSc in Estate Management.

Sir Jack, who was knighted by the Queen in 1980 for his pre-eminence as a leading chartered surveyor, became a Freeman of the City of London in 1959.

He served in the RAF during the Second World War, rising to the rank of Squadron Leader, and lived in East Sussex.

His funeral will take place in Sussex on Tuesday, March 14.

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