A much-loved councillor has died. 

Caroline Parker, a Leigh Town councillor, died from ill health on June 19 after recently withdrawing from council life.

Caroline has been the longest serving councillor on the council, who have said her passing is an "immeasurable loss."

A spokesman from Leigh Town Council paid tribute to Mrs Parker, saying: "It is with deep sadness that Leigh-on-Sea Town Council learned of the passing of Cllr Caroline Parker on 19th June. 

"Caroline had suffered with ill-health for some time but it was only recently that she had to withdraw from Council life.

Caroline had been a Leigh Town Council member since 2003 serving the community tirelessly both as a Councillor and in her role as Governor of North Street School. 

"During her time on the council, she had been chairman of various committees as well as council chairman in 2013-14. 

"She had many passions on the Council – planning, the skate park and our youth provision as well as being an instigator for many of the events that the Council holds annually. 

"Caroline was at the forefront of many initiatives on the Council including the Elm Road school crossing, the outdoor gym at Bonchurch Park and creating an ‘Easter Event’ for the Council.

She was the longest serving member of the present Council administration and her passing is an immeasurable loss to the Town Council.