The president of Shepherd Neame and former leader of Kent County Council has died.

Robert Neame, a previous chairman of Britain's oldest brewery which is based in Faversham, passed away earlier today.

He was 85 years old.

Mr Neame, known by family and friends as Bobby, joined the company in 1956 and was director from 1957 until 2006 before becoming its first president.

Besides running the brewery, he was also leader of the county council from 1982 to 1984, High Sheriff of Kent in 2001 and president of Kent Cricket in 2003.

He was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Kent in 1992 and Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 1999.

Mr Neame leaves his widow, Yvonne, his four children Charlotte, Jonathan, Sarah and Moray and his nine grandchildren.

There will be a private family funeral and a memorial service in due course.

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