Tributes have been paid to Kent actor and comedian Dave Lee who sadly passed away on Monday following an illness.

The pantomime star, who lived in Herne ran Dave Lee’s Happy Holidays and had raised over £2 million for sick and disabled children to go on holidays of a lifetime.

He was due to be in Cinderella in Canterbury this winter, but had to pull out due to ill health and was set to be awarded the Freeman of the city in a ceremony on January 31st.

Dave Lee MBE had also been on the Board of Directors at Gillingham Football Club and was a regular at Priestfield Stadium.

Following the sad news, people from the sporting community within the county paid their tributes.

Kent and England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones led the tributes, tweeting: “Sad news about Dave Lee passing away. Was due to get freedom of the city at end if the month. A statue of him outside the Marlowe is deserved after his many years in Panto and for his charity work.”

Kent Cricket’s Academy Director Simon Willis tweeted: “Very sad news about Dave Lee a funny man who raised a lot of money 4 charity over the years.”

Former Gillingham midfielder Mark Bentley tweeted: “RIP comedian and Gills fan Dave Lee, nice fella was great in the pantos.”

Former Kent captain David Fulton tweeted: “So sad to hear about the loss of Dave Lee – A true legend! A man who worked tirelessly for charity but so easily made you laugh.”

Karting champion Bradley Sargeant tweeted: “Really sad news that the great Kent comedian Dave Lee has died. A great man, has been my favourite part of Marlowe Xmas panto for 20 years!”

Former Kent and England bowler Dean Headley tweeted: “Just heard the sad news regarding Dave Lee. Man of the people who did so much. I hope someone somewhere will continue his good work #RIP”

The 64 year old who had been suffering with pancreatic cancer also did a lot of work with Kent based cricket side Lashings and he will be missed by many.