The Stadtpraesident of Neumuenster - Gravesham’s first 'twin' town - died suddenly this week.

Friedrich Wilhelm Strohdiek was 72 and became Stadtpraesident - the equivalent of mayor - in 2008.

Gravesham Council has sent official condolences and will send a wreath.

Council leader Coun John Burden said: "His death is a great loss. 

"He was a good man who supported and embodied the ideals of town twinning. 

"He will be missed."

His funeral is next Wednesday (February 25).

Gravesham has twinning arrangements with Cambrai, in France, Chesterfield County, Virginia USA and Jalandhar in the Punjab. 

Neumuenster, in Germany, was the borough’s first twinning partner in 1980.