TOUCHING tributes have been paid to a community hero who died aged just 40 after collapsing suddenly.

Ellea Hunt, who had worked as Canvey Town Council’s clerk since March this year, fell unconscious shortly after the island’s Christmas light switch-on last Saturday - which she helped organise.

The mother-of-three was taken to Southend Hospital, where she died two days later.

Peter Greig, who worked alongside Mrs Hunt as the town council’s chairman, said: “She was extremely good in all the meetings, and in promoting the town council.

“Ellea was great fun and nobody had a bad word to say about her.

“We are all just so shocked, especially when somebody so young is taken away from us.”

Dave Blackwell, leader of the Canvey Independent Party, said the popularity of this year’s festive event demonstrated Mrs Hunt’s ability to “bring the island together.”

He said: “It’s just such a shock, as she was so full of energy on the day and working really hard.

“It all went really well and a large part of it was down to her efforts.

“The fact the event was the most successful one Canvey has ever seen proves how good she was at her job.

“She did everything by the book, and even when I was doing her appraisal, I just wanted to sign it off and get it done. But she insisted she went through everything, about things she did well and things she could improve on.

“It’s a close team at the town council, and we will all miss her so much.”

Along with other town council officers, Mrs Hunt was responsible for organising other popular events such as Armed Forces Day celebrations, beach fun days, and Dogs Trust chipping events at Canvey Lake. Each saw thousands of islanders come together to raise cash for charities.

She also managed the authority’s committee meetings.

Mrs Hunt leaves behind her husband and three children.

Barry Campagna, a town and borough councillor, said: “She was really good at managing the councillors, and that isn’t easy at the best of times.

“Ellea was well respected and very good at what she did.

“It’s just unbelievable at how sudden the news is about her death.”

Martin Tucker, town mayor of Canvey, paid tribute to Mrs Hunt’s “huge contribution to the community.”

He said: “On behalf of Canvey Town Council and the community I offer our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to Ellea‘s family on their sad loss.

“Ellea was extremely hardworking and dedicated to her post. She was popular and well known by many on Canvey and will be greatly missed.”

A spokesman for the town council said it is in early discussions to decide on a lasting tribute.

Its schedule of council meetings is being rearranged.

The spokesman said: “As mark of respect the council offices are closed to callers until Tuesday, January 3 2017.

No council meetings will take place until after the Christmas holidays.”