Mourners will gather in Maidstone today for a special service in memory of people who have died after living on the streets.

The memorial event has been organised on behalf of Making a Difference to Maidstone and is the second of its kind having struck a chord with many in the County Town when it was first held last Christmas.

Among those to be remembered will be 43-year-old grandad Sammy Draper, who was found hanged in woodland near the Sainsbury's store in Romney Place in July.

His daughter said in the days following his passing that her father didn't get the support he needed for his mental health issues.

This year's service will be especially poignant as it will also commemorate the death of Carol Pickup, a mum who devoted her life to helping the homeless and was found dead in her garage in May.

The event - which will include a reading and musical performance by musician John Pork, who also played the guitar at the 2018 service - has been organised by Joan Langrick, who has spent decades trying to help rough sleepers in the town.

She insisted she wanted the work of the Salvation Army in helping those in need to be recognised at the Jubilee Square meeting.

"One of the main reasons for holding the service is the fact that friends and family members maybe haven't had the chance to say 'goodbye' and so we really want them to come forward," she said.

"Of course this year we're also remembering Carol, who would have been serving the Christmas lunch, and hopefully we can get even more people along to pay their respects than we did last year.

"On a national scale there isn't anywhere near enough being done to tackle homelessness.

"When you look at Universal Credit and how many people are getting into debt, it's so cruel and unkind. It's absolutely devastating."

Anyone is welcome to attend the service, which is being held between 2pm and 4pm.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone