TRIBUTES have been paid to Clacton councillor who has died suddenly, aged 77.

Mitch Mitchell, who represented the town’s Peter Bruff ward, died on November 28 following a heart attack.

Mr Mitchell, of Cloes Lane, was elected to Tendring Council in 2007 and had served as chairman of the council’s human resources committee.

Council leasder Peter Halliday said: “It is a sad loss. Mitch was a gentleman and a loyal conservative. He was a hard-working councillor.

“He died suddenly. He had been poorly and had had a kidney removed but was recovering – he had been attending meetings.

“We expected him to get better, but then he had a heart attack.”

Mr Mitchell’s wife Gwen, who also represents the council’s Peter Bruff ward, praised ambulance crews for their hour-long attempt to save her husband’s life.

She added: “He had a heart of gold and would help anybody who asked for it.

“He was a generous man and loved his family and grandchildren.

“He was a kind man and a gentleman. I will miss him.”

Mr Mitchell leaves wife Gwen, son Alun and daughter Zara, as well as grandchildren Grace, Alice, Cameron, Callum, Briony and Kellsey.

A funeral service will take place at Weeley Crematorium on December 17 at 2.45pm.