Queenborough is mourning the death of its sub-postmaster.

Charles 'Chas' Hollinshead died suddenly on Monday last week . He was 62.

Mr Hollinshead ran the town's Post Office for 24 years in Main Road next to the Co-op and was also treasurer of Queenborough Charities for many years.

He also served in the army for 14 years.

His funeral will be at the Garden of England Crematorium, Bobbing, on Thursday, February 13, at noon.

His family said: "All are welcome to the service although the wake will be small for family and invited close friends."

Rather than send flowers, the family has requested donations to either the RNLI or the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance in his memory and has set up two Just Giving accounts.

They have already raised £586 for the air ambulance and £233 for the RNLI.

Mr Hollinshead leaves a widow Janet, two daughters Angeline and Christine and son Robert.

His daughter Angeline Sanders said: "He was a wonderful man and is missed immensely. He loved this town and the people in it."

His other daughter Christine Hollinshead said: "It is very hard to express how grateful his family are for the love and support we have received.

"He was a kind man, a solid friend and generous with his time, faith, and friendship. He always listened.

"Every day we have been helped by stories of how he helped others and many people have offered help to us.

"Instead of flowers we have chosen two charities which would mean a lot to him.

"He was always impressed by the bravery and generosity of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute in Queenborough and the Kent Air Ambulance because they are there, ready and waiting to help people in their darkest times and were there waiting for us.

"He will be missed by all. The world is a poorer place without him."

Residents have taken to Facebook to pay tributes to a "lovely man" and "one of the best bosses you could want to work for."

A book of condolences has been set up in the Post Office.

Mr Hollinshead tried to move it to the High Street in 2018 as part of his retirement plans but was turned down by Post Office bosses after an objection by Queenborough Town Council.

He had wanted Thushiyanthan “Kajan” Nadarajah at Queenborough Stores to take it over. He said at the time it was no longer economic to continue to run the services from his premises.

His family said they are in talks with the Post Office and Town Council and will make an announcement about its future later.

To donate, use these links:

www.justgiving.com/chas-hollinshead-rnli

www.justgiving.com/chas-hollinshead-AirAmb