FANS of legendary game show host Bob Holness were asking "Can I have an RIP please Bob?" after he died this morning aged 83.

Dozens took to Twitter to post the variation of the popular "Can I have a P please" catchphrase in tribute to the popular Blockbusters presenter, who grew up in Herne Bay.

His career spanned 60 years and he gained a cult following on the daily ITV show.

A statement released by his family said he "died peacefully in his sleep" early this morning.

Mr Holness's father was born in Herne Bay and the family returned to the town from South Africa when he was still a baby.

In an interview with the BBC in 2008 he described the town as: "A terrific place for me. It had its own beach and the main street, Mortimer Street, was always busy and bustling."

Kent and Medway NHS press officer Jo Treharne, from Wincheap, appeared on the show in 1985 and emerged as a Blockbusters champion, with a signed dictionary to prove it.

She said: "He was just one of the nicest, sweetest people I've ever met. He spoke to everyone as an equal and was never snide or sarcastic.

"I met him years later at the BBC and he remembered me and was very kind. He never lorded it up like a big star and was very down to earth. I was very sad to hear of his death."