Tributes have been paid to a “kind-hearted character” who was known for sitting in a town centre with his three-legged dog called Lucy.

Often seen with the Italian greyhound in Sittingbourne High Street, Robert Kittle was a “popular” biker who would “go above and beyond to help someone out”.

The 60-year-old was found dead in his home in Park Road, Sittingbourne, on Wednesday, November 1 after concerns were raised when he had not been seen on the high street for a few weeks.

Robert’s sister Anne Cole says his family, including his daughter Sarah Burton, are “heartbroken” by the loss of Robert.

The 72-year-old said she had been like a mum as well as an older sister to Robert and the pair had talked on the phone often. They had a close relationship despite her moving to New Zealand in 1975, while Robert made a life for himself in Sittingbourne.

She remembered Robert for his “wicked sense of humour” but also his “kindness”.

Anne added: “We had a close relationship and there wasn’t anything we couldn't discuss so we knew each other inside out. He had a wicked sense of humour and was really quick and smart but didn’t show that side of himself that often.

“I was shocked for a couple of days and unable to process the loss. We kept in touch a lot over the phone so when I hadn’t heard from him for a while I was really worried.”

They had grown up in Ilford, east London, surrounded by a big family as their grandad was one of 13.

A fundraiser has been set up to help pay for Robert's funeral by his old friend Ian Maggs.

The pair first met at a biking event 20 years ago and after losing touch bumped into each other again in a pub four years ago.

He added: “We feel the fundraiser is the only way to help out and pay tribute to a genuine biker who lost his way in life but was truly a very caring and supportive person who would go above and beyond to help someone out.

“Rob was always in the high street and became a well-known character of Sittingbourne."

The money will also be used to help pay for his sister's ticket home from New Zealand so she can attend the funeral.

Ian called Anne to let her know of her brother's death, a call she said "must have been very difficult to make". She also thanked him for being a good friend to Robert.

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According to Ian, Robert’s dog Lucy helped him talk to other people who would come over and ask questions about her.

The 59-year-old said Robert had rescued Lucy after she had needed her front left leg amputated, which he says is just one example of how Robert was a “kind-hearted man”.

Lucy has now been adopted by Samuel Baverstock and his partner Harley Lister who already have a lurcher called Tiger after they were told she would be taken to a kennel.

The 34-year-old said he had talked with Robert in the high street a lot as they had similar breeds of dogs.

When Sam found out Robert had not been seen for around a week he talked to high street traders to see if they knew where he was, as well as staff at the community centre, Phoenix House, who raised the concerns with the police.

Sam added: “I remember how good Rob was with the dog and how close they were.

“He was always happy to chat with anyone and it wasn't until he passed I realised how liked he was by people.”

The police confirmed Robert’s death is being treated as non-suspicious and a report has been completed for the coroner after they found him in his home.

His funeral will be on Friday, November 17 at Bobbing Crematorium at noon. Bikers will gather at The Vineyard in Sittingbourne High Street at 11am.