MEMBERS of Sheppey St John Ambulance have been saddened by the death of their former bandmaster Tony Cole.

Mr Cole, of Clyde Street, Sheerness, died at Guy's Hospital, London, after a short illness. He was 38.

He had been admitted to Medway Maritime Hospital where he was treated for pneumonia. When his condition worsened he was transferred to Guy's where he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkinsons's lymphoma. Initially he responded well to chemotherapy, but then suffered a heart attack.

Long-term partner Denise Philp, former St John Cadet and band member, was with him. The couple were to have been married in April. Also at his side were family and life-long friend Dean Faulkner.

He leaves two children Emily, ten, and Jordan seven, who are both St John badgers.

Mr Cole had been a member of St John for almost 25 years and held the brigade's long service medal.

He was a solo drummer during the 1980s, bandmaster from 1992-1996 and was involved in teaching new members and improving the band's drum section.