A Kent businessman, who was the founder of Regal Estates sales and lettings agency, has been found dead at his home.

The body of Paul Smith, 43, was discovered at his home in Rochester Road, Aylesford.

An inquest into his death on September 1 has been opened and the cause recorded as suspension.

A tribute from his former colleagues at the property business. which has branches across the county, described him as " a flamboyant and larger than life character who could not help but be the life and soul of any situation he was involved in".

It continues: "Paul will be desperately missed by many of the staff at Regal Estates who had known him for many years and counted him as a friend."

Paul Smith had been instrumental in a number of ventures covering financial services, estate agency, designer retail outlets, fine dining restaurants and pubs.

He has not owned Regal Estates for a number of years. The company continues to trade as normal.