Former Mayor of Maidstone Brian Mortimer has died.

The resident of The County Town from 1965 became Mayor in 2011 after service on the council for Coxheath and Hunton Ward since 1996.

The electrician, Liberal Democrat activist, baking enthusiast, and politician passed away this morning.

As well as his political career, Mr Mortimer was well known for his love of custard pies and revived the annual World Custard Pie Championship after a long hiatus.

The 65-year-old had been suffering from cancer for some time before his death.

Former Mayor of Maidstone David Naghi, who recently relinquished the post, remembers Mr Mortimer as a man who was passionate about where he lived and the people he represented.

"It's a very sad day," he said. "It's not only sad for his family but for the Lib Dems. It's very sad indeed. He contributed a lot to where he lived and also to Maidstone."

"He will be fondly remembered for bringing back The Annual Custard Pie Championship. Brian and I were involved in that. It used to run in the '60s but since he brought it back it's been running ever since.

"I send my condolences to the family - we are all thinking of them at this time."

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