FORMER Gravesham council leader Mike Snelling was due to be honoured with an MBE, mourners heard at his thanksgiving service earlier this month.

The much-celebrated public servant was due to feature on the Queen’s New Year’s honour list after being nominated by Kent County Council leader Paul Carter.

Cllr Snelling, 66, died on October 20 at Darent Valley Hospital after a brief illness.

He had been council leader from 2002 to 2011. He worked in banking for 37 years before retiring to concentrate on his public work.

He moved to Meopham with his wife Heather 28 years ago. In 1987 he was elected as member for Meopham North on Gravesham Borough Council.

Cllr Carter said: “ Mike Snelling devoted his life to the people of Gravesham. His contribution to the community was exceptional, working incredibly hard and going far and beyond the formal duties of his position.”

Mourners at St John the Baptist Church in Meopham, on November 8, heard how Cllr Snelling married his childhood sweetheart, Heather Snelling.

She was a fellow member of his church in Becontree, Essex.

The two were married for 43 years and had two daughters Kirsten, who lives in Sussex and Abigail who lives in Sydney, Australia.

Mrs Snelling said: “He was most known to people as a politician but he was first and foremost a devoted father and doting grandfather.

“I am grateful to everyone for their messages and offers of support. It is moving to know how well thought of Mike was.

“He was tireless in everything he did but he still managed to find time for his family and his friends.”

Cllr Snelling was also a proud supporter of the REACH charity which supports children with upper limb deficiency.

After the thanksgiving service mourners went to Gravesham Civic Centre where the flag flew at half mast.