Dartford Council members have paid their respect to one of Dartford's longest-serving councillors.

Cllr John Muckle was first elected to the old Dartford Rural District Council in 1967, representing the Priory Ward.

He has been a Labour Ward Member for Littlebrook since 1976 and was Leader of the Council from 1998 to 2003.

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Cllr Muckle was Mayor of the Borough of Dartford in 1973 - 1974 – the year that the new Dartford District Council was formed.

Council leader Jeremy Kite said: "It’s no exaggeration to say that John’s death marks the end of an era. "He was a giant of local politics and a man of total integrity and compassion.

"Only a handful of people have experienced what it means to be Leader of a great community like Dartford and over the years I sought his advice on many occasions. Outside of politics he was a keen supporterof Dartford Football Club and he and I shared many fun times at Princes Park.

"We will all miss him terribly and it is hard to imagine this town and this council without him."