TRIBUTES are being paid to the Rt Rev David Bartleet, Bishop of Tonbridge from 1982-93, who has died at his home in Suffolk. He was 73.

When he retired in 1993, he moved with his wife Jean, to Aldeburgh on the Suffolk coast. His widow and three children, Andrew, Claire and Emma, survive him.

He was a former president of Tonbridge Civic Society, a post he held for five years until 1993. Peter York, the society's chairman, said he was a man known for his calming influence.

He added: "He had an engaging presence and was always a keen participant in the affairs of the society, especially so at the annnual awards dinner at which he presided."