A long-serving member of Kent County Council (KCC) has died.

Keith Ferrin MBE, 70, was Deputy Leader from 1997 to 2001 while also a Cabinet member for Environment, Highways & Waste and Supporting Independence, Policy, Performance and Best Value.

Mr Ferrin was a Conservative member of KCC for 36 years and council leader Paul Carter has paid tribute to him.

He said: “Keith made a massive contribution to the running of KCC over many years, being the architect and instigator of many significant beneficial changes.

“Particularly after the 1997 election when the Conservatives regained control of the authority, being the Deputy Leader under Lord Sandy Bruce-Lockhart’s leadership.

“Keith held many key Cabinet posts and will be particularly remembered for his work in adult social care and the introduction of Direct Payments for clients.”

Mr Ferrin was elected to KCC in 1977 and he was to become one of the longest serving members of the council.

Subsequently, the dad-of-two was awarded an MBE for Political and Public Service in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 1988.