THE funeral will be held on Friday of former Loughton Labour town councillor Michael Sellears.

Mr Sellears was elected for the old Debden Green ward in 2000 and served on the council until 2004.

He was a life-long amateur football enthusiast, particularly interested in youth football, and one of his main concerns on the council's former environment, heritage and leisure committee was sporting facilities.

Loughton mayor Chris Pond said: “We knew he had been in poor health, but were shocked to hear of his untimely death. Our sincere condolences go to his family.”

Mr Pond will represent the town and town council at his funeral which is being held at St Mary’s Church, High Road, Loughton, at 2pm on Friday (September 26).