David McKee, the author of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant which has featured prominently in Maidstone, has died at the age of 87.

The news was announced by his publisher Andersen Press, who says he died at his home in the South of France after a short illness.

Author and illustrator Mr McKee first created Elmer the Patchwork Elephant in 1968, but it wasn’t until 1989 the story was published by Andersen Press.

The book quickly became popular for its colourful artwork and prominent message - to accept who you are, as Elmer, the only multi-coloured elephant in a grey herd, learns to do.

The series has sold more than 10 million copies.

Last summer, Mr McKee was also the inspiration behind a trail to raise money for Aylesford’s Heart of Kent Hospice.

The gigantic event featured 51 unique elephant sculptures, designed by local and national artists and based on Elmer, that were scattered around Maidstone. They were joined by 30 smaller Elmer sculptures.

Last year, the latest story in the popular children's series - titled Elmer and the Bedtime Story - was being sold exclusively in Maidstone to start with.

Tributes have been flooding in on social media, with Mr McKee being described as "a genius" who played a big role in many fans' childhoods.

A statement from Anderson Press read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of David McKee - beloved author and illustrator for children - and creator of iconic children’s books Elmer, Not Now, Bernard and Mr Benn.

“David died surrounded by his family following a short illness in the South of France, where he has spent a lot of time in recent years. He was 87.

“All at Andersen Press hope his spirit lives on for many more generations through his joyful, heartfelt stories.”

His debut book, Two Can Toucan, was published in 1964 by Klaus Flugge while he was working at Abelard-Schuman.

He said: “I am devastated by the sudden death of my best friend, David McKee. He was as close to Andersen Press as I am.

“He was there from the very beginning and essential to the origin of the company. He became great friends with everyone he encountered – staff, authors and illustrators alike.

“His was a singular voice and a shining light in children’s books that highlighted inclusivity, diversity and parts of our world that are not always present in publishing for children.

“His classic books include Elmer, Two Monsters and Not Now, Bernard, amongst many, many others, have become part of the canon of children’s literature, and we hope will be enjoyed by children for many more generations to come.”

Speaking about the trail, Mr McKee last year said: “The fact Elmer is the theme in Maidstone is fantastic. Anything which brings us together working for a cause like the hospice is exactly what we need.

“Most people know someone who has been in a hospice or visited one and they all do fantastic, yet difficult, work, so they need all the help they can get.

“It’s a nice event and the trail idea is great.”

Having seen some of the designs, Mr McKee added: “To think people have taken to Elmer like that is brilliant. I wish the trail all the luck I possibly can."

At the end of the Elmer trail in the County Town, the Elmer sculptures were sold at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel, raising thousands of pounds for the Heart of Kent Hospice.

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant was also made into a TV series, as well as a stage play.

Mr McKee, who was born in Devon and studied at Plymouth Art College, illustrated books written by other authors, as well, such as some of the later Paddington Bear books.

Mr Benn was another of his successful books and it began life as a children’s picture book in 1967 and later became a BBC TV series.

The story followed the eponymous explorer as he left his house at 52 Festive Road in London before being transformed at a fancy dress shop and entering another world appropriate to his outfit.

In 2021, Mr Benn celebrated the 50th anniversary of its TV version.

Mr McKee was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Open University at Plymouth College of Art in 2011.

He wrote and illustrated 29 original Elmer books, which have collectively been translated into more than 60 languages.