A petition has been raised to give a much-loved pensioner the freedom of his town.

By this afternoon 114 names out of a target figure of 200 were given, clamouring for an honour for a man nicknamed Mr Margate.

This is for Maurice Morris, 88, who has lived in the town all his life.

The online petition was started by Thanet resident Tim Knibb who wrote: "Everyone knows him.

"Visitors from London look for him each time they come down. He has done more for the town than any planner, executive officer or councillor.

"I am asking for recognition of his love for Margate.

"I am asking for him to be made a Freeman of Margate."

'I am asking for recognition of his love for Margate'

Between the 1950s and 1990s Mr Morris had various jobs at Dreamland.

He has been a regular feature of the Margate Carnival and in recent years became a newspaper delivery man.

In March 2017 he was presented the Dane Valley Citizens Award, as he lives in that area, by ward councillor Gary Hillman.

Several signatories to the online petition made comments echoing the call for the Freeman status.

Stuart Harvey simply said: "He's a local legend."

Robert Stannard said: "Maurice reminds me of every Margate Carnival. A true gent."

Carl Hudson wrote: "Worthy of such an honour: 88 and still engaging with the people of Margate."

Tony Laming said: "I remember Maurice from the '50s and he certainly is The Face of Margate."