ROBERT Ray, a Ukip councillor, paid an emotional tribute to his late wife - telling council colleagues how nothing gave her more pride than serving her community.

Maggie O'Keeffe-Ray, who served with husband Mr Ray as a Ukip councillor for the Aveley and Uplands ward, passed away earlier last month after battling a brain haemorrhage.

At a council meeting on Wednesday night, councillors paid tribute to Mrs O'Keeffe-Ray, 62.

She was elected to serve in the Aveley ward in May.

And in an emotional address to fellow councillors, Mr Ray said: "Maggie was absolutely passionate about council. She didn't see colours, she might have done on the doorstep, but she didn't in the chamber.

"She felt extremely proud to turn up because she saw it as the highest form of civic duty.

"That has helped me through."

Mr Ray also gave a heartfelt thanks to Ukip MEP Tim Aker, Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price, Labour MP candidate Polly Billington, councillors and members of the press.

Maggie first collapsed with the haemorrhage on Saturday, August 23.

Her condition had improved slightly but sadly, the damage was too severe and despite the efforts of doctors and nurses at Queen's Hospital in Romford on Wednesday, September 24.

Barry Palmer, an independent councillor for East Tilbury, said that though Maggie had not been a councillor long, she had been ever-present at meetings for the last few years and so felt as though she was part of the council long before being elected.

John Kent, the leader of the council, said he wished he had got to know Maggie better.

Maggie's funeral will take place on October 31 at St Michael's Church, Aveley, starting at 1.20pm.