The funeral of ex-fireman and town businessman Steve Langley has taken place.

Mourners gathered at Holy Trinity Church, Green Porch Close, Milton Regis, for the service this lunchtime.

Mr Langley died two weeks ago after being shot in the stomach at the fisheries firm he ran at Bax Farm, Lower Road, Tonge.

The 56-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene after police and ambulance crews were called at 2.45pm

Homeless Simon Olsen, 54, has been charged with his murder and remanded in custody ahead of a trial next year.

Friends and family celebrated Mr Langley's life when they gathered at the Vineyard in West Street, Sittingbourne.

Fisheries’ co-manager Allan Jordan was among about 40 people who congregated at the pub.

He said: “We shared a lot of happy memories, and several of Steve’s retired firefighter friends turned up.

“We were also pleasantly surprised to see Steve’s children, Amy and Oliver, attend.

“There were a few solemn moments, but the vast majority of the time we were laughing about all the silly things we got up to with Steve over the years.”

Mr Jordan also attended St Giles Church, Tonge, on Saturday.

It was open for visitors to sign a book of condolence, pray and light a candle in Mr Langley’s memory.

Mr Jordan said: “Me and a friend went along. It was nice to share a few private thoughts and have a quiet, five-minute ponder about our old friend.”