ERIC Mastin, a former Mayor of Gravesham and a dedicated Town Regatta organiser, has died at the age of 77.

Mr Mastin was Mayor of Gravesham from 1962 to 1963 and he was a Westcourt councillor throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

He was the life vice-president of the Gravesend Regatta Committee and was associated with the Thames and Medway Canal Association.

The Town Regatta had been a huge part of Mr Mastin's life for half a century. He was also president of The Rowing Association.

Mr Mastin, born and brought up in the borough, was a shipwright by trade. He leaves a widow and family.

The funeral will take place on Thursday, January 29, at Milton Church at 11.15am, followed by cremation at Medway Crematorium at 12.20pm.