A long-standing councillor who had a "unique gift of being able to put everyone he met at their ease" has died after suffering a stroke.

Cllr David Carr, who represented Rainham North, was a former Mayor of Medway who had served on Medway Council since 2007.

He died this morning after suffering a stroke yesterday.

Fellow councillor Barry Kemp was among those who have paid tribute to Cllr Carr, who was a close friend of his for 12 years.

Cllr Kemp said: "Cllr David Carr, above all else, was a family man.

"He adored and was devoted to his wife, Kirstine who he married 59 years ago, and was fiercely protective of his children and grandchildren.

"Although not a young man, his energy and work ethic would put to shame many men half his age.

He served on more committees and outside bodies than any other member of Medway Council and energetically resisted every one of my attempts to ease the burden.

"He had a huge heart and a welcoming personality together with the unique gift of being able to put everyone he met at their ease.

"David Carr was a character and a lovely man, the like of which we will not see again.

"He will be sorely missed by his fellow councillors, on both sides of the floor, as well as by the countless friends he has made over the years.

"He was, without doubt, a one-off."

His Conservative party colleague Cllr Steve Iles said: "Sad to hear of the passing of Cllr David Carr this morning."

Vince Maple, the leader of the opposition Labour group on the council, offered his party's "sincere condolences" to Cllr Carr's family and friends.

Mayor of Medway and Strood North Ward Councillor Steven Iles (Con) said: "Everyone is shocked.

"I saw him at Gun Warf on Monday and he was completely fine."