A flower-filled boat has been installed at a college as a memorial to a much-loved leader who worked there for almost 20 years.

Bertie Armstrong died in June at the age of 73, having had a large impact on the future of East Kent College and Thanet’s education.

A boat filled with flowers and named in his memory has now been placed near the Welcome Building at the college site in Broadstairs and was visited by his family.

Bertie started to work at the college between 1988 and 2007, during which time he became the first head of student services where he managed careers, admissions and student finance.

He founded Broadstairs College’s original nursery – then called Smarties - and Guidelines, an outreach initiative.

Bertie also created a strong partnership with Thanet Community Transport, a service providing supported learning students with transport to college.

The minibus service became more than just a lift to college, with the fun and friendships made on the bus each morning becoming an important part of the student's day.

Bertie also led the college on government initiatives such as Aim Higher, Lifelong Learning the Educational Maintenance Allowance and the Adult Learning Grant.

Val Beckingham, team leader of the college’s current support services staff, said: "Bertie will be remembered as a manager who worked hard and believed in his staff, always looking for opportunities for them to progress.

"He was calm, approachable and a strong leader, with a great sense of humour and soft Northern Ireland accent. He will be greatly missed.

"It's fantastic that students and staff, as well as Bertie's family, have something they can remember him by, especially something so eye-catching.

"Bertie was a big part of the Broadstairs College community and I'm sure he would have been very proud to have been honoured with a permanent memorial on the campus."