MORE than 300 people attended the funeral of a friar who died after more than 50 years at Aylesford. Fr John Berridge was among the first to join the re-established Aylesford Priory in 1949.

After a lifetime's service to the priory, looking after visitors, cleaning and collecting supplies, he died on his 81st birthday. Br John's funeral at The Friars was attended by more than 30 fellow Carmelites and people from across Britain and beyond.

The prior of Aylesford, Fr Wilfrid McGreal, said: "We had a very good turnout of people who remembered a man who was a loving friend to many. He radiated warmth and humanity."