A popular butcher who has run his business for nearly half a century has died at the age of 78.

Denis Hills passed away suddenly from a brain tumour after being admitted to hospital with a suspected stroke.

His funeral takes place at New Forest Crematorium in Hampshire tomorrow (April 26), an area where he wanted to retire.

It will be live-streamed at Gillingham Golf Club and the Steam Packet pub in Strood from 11am.

For decades Denis ran Denis Hills Quality Butcher in Frindsbury Road, Strood where he knew virtually every customer by their first name.

He supplied pubs, restaurants, nursing, care and residential homes in the area and made a point of giving a free chicken once a week to the English Martyrs RC school opposite as a raffle prize.

He was also involved in charity work in the community.

Adam Stone, manager of the shop, said: “The business was his baby. The children at the school used to say it was the highlight of their week.”

When the company was threatened with closure because of rising costs in 2022 his loyal customers rallied around and kept it afloat.

The father of two sons, Mark and David, he loved playing squash, carp fishing and following his beloved Tottenham Hotspur FC.

Adam, who has worked at the butchers for seven years, added: “He was an absolute personality. He was tough, strong and very knowledgeable.

“He will be greatly missed.”

Denis passed away on March 27.