Moving tributes today poured in after a former Castle Point mayor collapsed and later died of a heart attack.

Tory Boyce ward councillor Chris Freeman, 55, of May Avenue, Canvey, was due to have heart surgery.

Today, political colleagues were mourning a "great friend and colleague" who died last night at Southend Hospital.

Friend and fellow Tory councillor Bill Sharp, said: "He has always been a good friend. He was the most conscientious councillor and will be deeply missed by his community and his friends."

Castle Point MP Bob Spink said: "He will be very deeply missed."

Canvey Independent councillor Dave Blackwell said: "He was the best mayor Castle Point ever had. He had time for everybody."

Published Monday July 26, 2004

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