The family of a man who fought to overturn racist employment policy in the 1960s are delighted a commemorative plaque is to be unveiled at Chatham railway station in his honour.

The lasting memento will be installed next month to Asquith Xavier , the first black train guard whose determination for equality played an important role in changing the Race Relations Act.

Mr Xavier, who arrived in the UK from the West Indies in 1958 as part of the Windrush generation, was refused a job as a guard because of his colour.

The father-of seven, who lived in Chatham, was subjected to vile abuse and death threats, a factor which his family believe could have contributed to his untimely death at the age of 59.

The National Union of Railwaymen backed his campaign asking the then Transport Secretary Barbara Castle to intervene, and on July 15, 1966, British Rail announced it was scrapping its racist policy.

His granddaughter Camealia Xavier-Chihota, who lives in Rochester, said: "I think this plaque is a step in the right direction to raise awareness of my grandfather’s achievements in the campaign for racial equality in Great Britain.

"It feels apt that it be displayed at Chatham station, the place he travelled from and to daily, in the town he called home and where he was laid to rest."

The 34-year-old mother-of-two added: "It will be a place we can bring our children to be educated about his pioneering ways and for the general public to learn of a regular man who achieved extraordinary things by speaking out against discriminatory practices, not only for himself but for us all.

"It is a proud moment for our family that Asquith Xavier receives this gratification in honour of his contribution to our multicultural society."

A plaque was erected at Euston station in London in 2016 to mark the 50th anniversary of the change of policy.

Mr Xavier, who lived with wife Agnes in Grove Road, is buried at Chatham cemetery in Maidstone Road. He died in 1980 and this year on July 18 he would have celebrated his 100th birthday.

Medway Council Labour group leader Cllr Vince Maple has welcomed the memorial which will be placed on the London-bound platform.

He said:"I think it's really important that we recognise our recent modern history.

"Asquith Xavier clearly played an important role in bringing down barriers and it's great that we recognise that both here in Chatham and London. He literally would have got on the train at that station and left from that platform."

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