A town and district councillor and former town mayor has died.

Epping Forest District Council announced today Kenneth Avey, a Conservative councillor representing Epping Hemnall, has died.

Speaking of his death and that of Penny Smith earlier this month, fellow Conservative and district councillor for Buckhurst Hill West, Gavin Chambers, said: “We have lost two very hardworking councillors in the space of a few weeks.

“Ken Avey was a gentleman and worked hard for the residents of Epping.

“He will be sadly missed by us all"

Mr Avey served twice as Epping town mayor and was elected to Epping Forest District Council in May 2011.

The circumstances surrounding Cllr Avey's death are at present unknown.