A Swanley and Sevenoaks councillor has died following a rapid decline in health.

Conservative Robert Brookbank, ward councillor for Swanley Christchurch and Swanley Village, passed away on August 2 after a short battle with illness.

The father-of-three died at the age of 72 years old in Darent Valley Hospital.

Sevenoaks District Council and Swanley Town Council have both paid tribute to Mr Brookbank saying how committed he was to “making a difference in the community.”

A former self-employed estate agent, he was the first ever Conservative to represent Swanley at county level Mr Brookbank was also the first ever Conservative to be elected to the district from a Swanley ward.

He was elected as district councillor for Swanley Christchurch and Swanley Village in 2007 and again in 2011 and 2015.

He was also a parish councillor in 2011 and 2015 for Swanley White Oak, as well as an elected Kent county councillor for Swanley in 2009 and 2013.

Up until his death he was also the chairman for the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and worked as a part-time support worker for Adults with Learning Difficulties.

Before working in local government Mr Brookbank founded a local estate agency business with his wife Elaine in 1985 called Brookbanks estate agency.

He later sold the business and devoted his time to the council and his party.

The district chairman Simon Raikes said: “Everyone is extremely saddened by the news of cllr Brookbank’s passing.

“He was a much loved figure in a community where he made such a tremendous contribution.

“My most sincere condolences go to the family of a gentleman who will be sorely missed”.

He is survived by his wife and three children James, Helen and Vicky.

The funeral will be taking place on August 25.

Anyone who wishes to send a letter of condolence should contact Swanley Funeral Care at swanley@co-operative.coop