A former Trebor Bassett worker from Maidstone has died after contracting Covid-19.

Christopher Phipps contracted the coronavirus while suffering from a chest infection and he died at Maidstone Hospital on Wednesday.

The 61-year-old was described by his step-daughter Vicky Martin as a loving dad, grandfather and brother who will be "forever in our hearts".

Mr Phipps, who was separated from his wife, had been living in Tovil Green Court assisted living in Maidstone, having suffered a stroke in 2012.

"He fought for as long as he could," his step-daughter said. "He was a loving dad, brother and grandfather, his passing has left a hole in our hearts but his memories will live on, we will never forget him.

"We will never forget the summers when he used to chase us children with the hosepipe, hiding behind the runner beans, or his joy of tinkering with engine parts in the kitchen and helping him when he was fixing cars.

"He was always there when you needed him with support and love, we may not have been blood but he was my dad in every sense and he loved me as his own from when I was a baby. He the only dad I’ve ever known, I miss him every day and always will."

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