Residents clapped in the pouring rain to pay tribute to a journalist affectionately known as 'Mr Snodland', because of his contribution to the local community.

Peter Rimmer, who worked for the Kent Messenger and Sevenoaks Chronicle, died on June 15 aged 77, after a short battle with cancer.

Because of coronavirus restrictions, only family members were able to attend the funeral ceremony, taking place today.

However, Mr Rimmer's relations sent out an invitation to mourners to line the streets of Snodland, and pay their respects as the funeral cortège made its way through the town.

In moving photos and a video residents can be seen clapping as the hearse make its way up Constitution Hill to the cemetery, earlier this morning.

A message posted on behalf of Mr Rimmer's family, by Snodland Town Council, on Facebook, said: "Thank you for all the kind words, flowers and messages that we have received so far.

"They have really shown the impact dad had on the people of Snodland and we hope in future to be able to celebrate his life and the contributions he made to Snodland."

Once coronavirus restrictions are lifted, the family will organise a memorial service.

Mr Rimmer, a pillar of his community, worked for the Kent Messenger and Sevenoaks Chronicle in the 1960s and 1970s. He went on to work for other local publications as well.

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