The funeral of the former Mayor of Maidstone, Morel D'Souza, takes place this morning.

Mourners will gather at St Francis Church in the High Street for the service at 10.30am.

Mr D'Souza's family intend to wear black, but invite guests to wear whatever they choose.

Mr D'Souza died in Maidstone Hospital on Tuesday, April 24. He was 72.

He served as a Labour borough councillor from 1996 to 2008, first for Bridge Ward and then for Fant.

He was the founder of the Maidstone Mela and in 2003 he became Maidstone’s first ethnic minority Mayor.

He was described at last Saturday's council meeting by Labour group leader Paul Harper as: "A great friend to all" and "a great role model and inspiration."