Tributes have been paid to former Swale and Rochester mayor Adrian Crowther who has died aged 80.

The former Conservative and Ukip member represented Minster Cliffs on Swale council from 2000 to 2007 and again from 2008 to 2019. He also served on the county council from 2005 to 2017.

Swale council leader Cllr Mike Baldock (Ind), who also represents Swale West on KCC, told members at the latest full council that Mr Crowther was a "lovely man" adding: “Adrian had a lot of experience, being the Mayor of Swale but also previously of Rochester.

“The election results are a testament to how much local people loved him as he always topped the polls irrespective of what party he stood for.”

He said: “His legacy lives on in Minster on Sheppey where he was a parish councillor.

"It was Adrian's idea, and funding, that created the outdoor community gym on The Leas which councillors all across Swale now say they want in their areas.

"Adrian was the nicest guy. He didn't take kindly to bullying and said so.

"According to the naysayers, he wasn't the greatest politician, and on that I agree.

"He changed allegiances a couple of times and was slated for doing so. What people don't realise is that he jumped ship because he had principles and he wouldn't play games.

"With Adrian, what you saw is what you got; he had no ego."

KCC member for Sheppey Cllr Andy Booth (Con) said: "Adrian had the kindness, loyalty and honesty of many a man."

Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson said: "I knew Adrian for many years and would like to pay tribute to the public service he gave to Swale, and the Isle of Sheppey in particular.

"Until his health deteriorated, Adrian represented local residents with good humour and dedication.

"He was always very proud that he was the only person to have been the mayor of both Swale and Medway. He had every right to be proud because that was a unique achievement. He will be missed by very many people."

Towards the end of his life, Blackburn-born Mr Crowther – a former teacher who lived on The Leas at Minster – began to suffer with dementia.

Until then, he had enthusiastically represented his voters and publicised his work with a series of fun-filled photocalls including opening a swimming pool slide wearing an 80s disco wig and taking on an Imperial Stormtrooper from Star Wars at a primary school's Christmas fair.

In 2019, he was made an honorary alderman by Swale council and was also honoured for his community work by Minster parish council for using his funds to install outside gym equipment along The Leas, play equipment in The Glen and street lighting in Scrapsgate Road.

Parish clerk Trish Hamilton said: “Adrian always treated staff with respect and supported them in sometimes difficult conversations with the council.”

Mr Crowther said he had enjoyed working with the parish council.