Friends and neighbours of a blind pensioner who tragically died in a fire have paid tribute to him.

Named locally as Roger Newnham, the grandfather who was in his 70s, was found by firefighters in his bungalow in Orchid Close, Strood.

Fire crews had been called shortly after 4pm on Saturday after the alarm was raised by elderly neighbours in the area, which is mostly made up of sheltered housing.

Sheila Ford, 84, of Arran Green, which overlooks Orchid Close, said: “It was terrible. I saw all this black smoke but no flames.

"I told my neighbour who dialled 999, I couldn’t because of my hearing.”

Mr Newnham, who was confined to a wheelchair, had lived in the area for most of his life and neighbours Matt Bray, 35, and Danielle Rowe, 34, remembered him fondly.

“He didn’t have a bad bone in his body,” said Mr Bray, adding: “But he could stand up for himself.”

Miss Rowe added: “If you said hello to him he would always recognise your voice.”

Mr Newnham, who formerly lived in Albatross Avenue, used to drink in The Jubilee and the former Earl Estate Community Centre, but since they closed had become a regular at The Bounty pub on Bligh Way.

Long-term friend Tom Wilson would regularly take him to the pub and drop him home after a few pints.

"He didn't have a bad bone in his body" - Matt Bray

The 62-year-old, of Bligh Way, said: “He was a lovely bloke. Everyone will tell you that.

“I met him down here 15 or 20 years ago. He moved to that bungalow a few years back because of his mobility and had two carers a day.

“As his condition got worse he’d come here less but I’d still go and meet him for a chat.

“He was a massive Formula 1 fan which is really sad as the season was about to start.”

He added Mr Newnham and his then wife used to run the Rose and Crown pub in Wouldham, which has since closed.

Fire and police investigators continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the blaze.

A report of Mr Newnham’s death has been passed to the coroner.