A LONG-SERVING councillor has died after suffering what is believed to have been a stroke.

Tendring independent councillor Mary Bragg died early on Saturday morning, aged 76.

Friend and colleague Joy Broderick said she was still in shock.

"We are all devastated," she said.

"Mary hated politics. 'Community' was her middle name."

Tendring Council's website said Mrs Bragg had suffered a "massive stroke".

Mrs Bragg, of Lyndhurst Road, Holland on Sea, had been a serving councillor since 1999 and represented the St Bartholomew's ward.