A council is in mourning after the sudden death of a senior colleague.

Councillor John Vincent, chairman of Wealden District Council, died of a heart attack on Monday night.

He experienced chest pains shortly after speaking at a meeting of Westham Parish Council.

Coun Vincent, 62, ward member for Pevensey and Westham, near Eastbourne, drew rich tributes from colleagues.

District council leader Nigel Coltman said: "John has been a very active member of the council since he joined in 1987, using his energy for the benefit of the community.

"When he was elected chairman last month, he said it had always been his ambition to one day become chairman.

"It is a great shame his term has been cut so short.

"Our thoughts go out to all his family and friends at this difficult time."

Coun Vincent chaired the leisure, tourism and arts committee for several years and as well as representing the people of Westham and Pevensey on the district council, he regularly attended parish council meetings.

In May, he was elected to East Sussex County Council and dedicated himself to raising money for the Sussex Air Ambulance Appeal.