Tributes paid to Kent fishing veteran who was still working in his 90s

Derrick West started work gathering shellfish more than 70 years ago

Tributes have been paid to a former fisherman in Kent who was still working in his 90s.

Derrick West, from Whitstable, died on 15 January at the age of 95.

He was hired at a shipyard when he was 14, joined a local shellfish company when he was 24 and worked in the harbour until he was 94.

"He will be sadly missed by the community because he was a never-ending person - he has always been there," his son Graham West said.

In a statement his family said: "We were blessed that we were able to spend a last Christmas, his birthday and wedding anniversary together before he went to sleep for the last time."

They added: "We hold in our hearts all the love and happy memories we share."

Derrick West leaves behind his wife of 71 years Jean, three sons, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Derrick West was still working for his family's firm in his 90s

His family said his contribution stretched from "the harbour where his name is synonymous with the shellfish industry to local community scouting and football".

His son Graham West said his dad was "kind, generous [and] always smiling".

Graham West said people would often make a "beeline to see and chat" with his father when they visited the harbour.

His oldest son Andrew West said everyone locally knew his "hard-working" father.

"He was extremely quiet - very modest," he said.

A memorial service is to be held for Derrick West in February.

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