Former council leaders, an MP, RNLI crew, members of the public and more flocked to the funeral of a well-respected Kent and borough councillor.

Cameron Beart, the Conservative councillor for Queenborough, died suddenly aged just 31 and a service was held yesterday at the Garden of England Crematorium in Sittingbourne.

Gordon Henderson, the MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, attended along with the former Swale council leader Andrew Bowles, and members of Queenborough town council and RNLI crew.

Mr Henderson said: "I attended because Cameron was a great friend and colleague.

"It was heartening to see so many people at his funeral.

"The fact that it was standing room only for some of the attendees shows the depth of the respect in which Cameron was held by so many people, and how much of a loss he will be to our local community.

"Cameron’s passing has hit me particularly hard, because in many ways he was a protégé of mine.

"I helped him get the job he loved with [construction firm] BW May, and was instrumental in getting him involved in politics, encouraging him to stand for election to Swale Borough Council and Kent County Council.

"As a councillor Cameron was exceptional. He always put people before politics and will be missed by many people, not only on the Isle of Sheppey, but across Swale. I will certainly miss him."

Cllr Beart died suddenly on Friday, January 20. Police and ambulances were called to his home in Oak Avenue, Minster.

He represented Queenborough and Halfway on Swale council and had been elected to represent Sheppey on Kent County Council in May 2021.

Many believed he was being lined up as a parliamentary candidate for Sittingbourne and Sheppey to succeed Mr Henderson.

One mourner said: "It was a very moving service with many standing at the back.

"Councillors from all political parties attended and it was said Cameron’s death will be a huge loss to the Island and that it was hoped he would one day not only have been an MP but a front-bencher.

"It was a wonderful send-off but so sad.

"There was only standing room only at the crematorium with friends, family and members of all political parties attending.

"Cameron was a giant of a man."

More than 100 people attended a candlelit vigil for Cllr Beart on January 23.

Queenborough Town Council supplied the candles for that evening's remembrance service.