A community stalwart who campaigned for the rights of disabled people in Richmond for more than 30 years, founding a local independent living charity, was honoured at a tree-planting ceremony.

Richard Kember, who died last year, epitomised everything the charity he founded stood for: equality, independence, choice and access for all, Richmond Council said.

On Friday, December 2 the community came together to remember Mr Kember, who was born in 1947.

Cathy Maker, Chief Executive of disability charity Ruils, described Mr Kember as a “humble man".

She said: "He could turn his hand to anything and had an incredible energy and determination.

"This really came to play in his campaign work - whether it was waving placards demanding changes to services, sitting in advisory boards, committees and action groups - Richard loved to campaign.

“More than anything he wanted society to change. He wanted society to stop disabling people.

“But equally he was frustrated by the way that some disabled people accepted the status quo.”

Earlier this year Mr Kember received a posthumous award at Richmond Council’s community awards.

Richmond Council's cabinet member for adults' services, Councillor David Marlow said: "For more than 30 years Richard volunteered in the borough as a trustee, chair, a service user in consultations and on council committees as a mentor and buddy.

“His wise counsel was valued by disabled people and council officers alike and he strove to ensure that disabled people have choice and control over their care and their life.

“Richard is sadly missed by the local community but he has left a long-lasting legacy in Richmond that will never be forgotten."