Tributes have been paid to a well-known businessman described as “lovely” and “kindly”.

Retired insurance broker Bryan Douglas from Allington died aged 85 after suffering an aneurysm.

He was born in west London but moved to the Maidstone area in 1964 with his wife Betty where he became a well-known figure in the community.

The couple, who had been together for 66 years, met in 1957 during a house party Bryan was hosting.

Betty said: “It was his brother’s birthday party and I went with a friend but didn’t know anybody but then ended up with Bryan.

“We got married less than a year after we met, we must have instantly clicked.”

Bryan had worked for Matthews Wrightson for several years before opening his own firm with a partner called Potipher-Douglas Partnership in Medway Street.

But, it was his active involvement within the community he was best known for.

Betty said: “He did a lot of things - he was a very busy chap and didn’t like to do nothing.”

Even in his retirement, he would find himself volunteering as a custody volunteer at the police station to check on the welfare of prisoners, and for Macmillan at Maidstone hospital.

Betty added: “He was the most kindly man ever.”

“He was just so lovely to everybody and loved to help everyone.”

Bryan loved sport and was a regular on the course at Bearsted Golf Club where he was one of the oldest members.

He previously played cricket and football and joined Maidstone Bowls Club where he would later become treasurer.

He also attended the 1966 World Cup Final where England took home the winning trophy.

Bryan leaves behind his wife, two daughters, Charlotte and Helen, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He will be laid to rest during a service at Vinters Park Crematorium at 2pm on Wednesday (October 16).