A MAIDSTONE councillor and former Mayor of the borough, Cllr Fred Winckless, has died in hospital.

Cllr Winckless was Independent member for Downswood and Otham. He died at Ashford's William Harvey Hospital after suffering a heart attack.

He was Mayor of Maidstone from 1994-95 and will be remembered for combining a down to earth approach while retaining the dignity of the office.

One of the highlights of his year as mayor was presiding over the commemorations to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Malcolm Robertson, acting leader of the council, said: "Fred Winckless was a stalwart of the council and will be greatly missed. He was a champion for borough, democracy and all he served.

"As mayor he was a sterling ambassador for Maidstone and carried out the role with immense dignity. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."

Fellow councillor, Pat Marshall (Ind), added: "Fred will be sorely missed by so many people. He was a unique character, passionate in his beliefs, a truly dedicated councillor who worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents right to the end. I am proud to have been his friend and colleague for so many years."

Cllr Winckless was also well-known for joining in enthusiastically with council social activities. He was married to Doreen and the couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2002. He is also survived by two children and two grandchildren.