MORE than 300 friends, loved ones and council colleagues gathered at the funeral of Colin Jupp, a member of Higham Parish Council and Gravesham Borough Council.

The coffin at All Saints' Church at Frindsbury was draped in the flag of his favourite football team, Arsenal.

Mr Jupp died suddenly at the age of 62, just two weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Always a man to campaign for the environment, Mr Jupp was buried in a casket made from biodegradable willow.

His widow Pat Jupp, 64, said: “Colin was always into recycling. He was always pushing green issues.”

Mrs Jupp said he was well-loved and lived for his two grandchildren, Sam, two, and 14-week-old Ruby.