A FORMER mayor of Southend has died after a battle with cancer.

David Ascroft, who served as the mayor of Southend from 1990 to 1991 sadly passed away this morning.

Mr Ascroft, who was best known for his time as the Shoebury Postmaster, had retired to Spain after ending his career in politics.

However, after being diagnosed with the disease, he returned to Southend for treatment where it is reported he ended his life in Fernbrook Care Home, Fernbrook Avenue.

Following his death, Sally Carr, fellow former mayor paid tribute to Mr Ascroft.

She said: "I received my honorary alderman title on the same day as David in 2016.

"He was a very well-respected councillor and a very diligent councillor for many years."

Mr Ascroft also acted as the President of the Shoebury and south Essex Royal Artillery Association (RAA).

A close friend of Mr Ascroft, Keith Holderness paid tribute to him.

Mr Holderness also acted as macebearer during Mr Ascroft's time as mayor.

He said: “Today we lost a good friend. Dave Ascroft, what can I say about Dave, a Soldier of distinction, Local politician, respected by all who knew him.

“David rose to the Rank of Master Gunner at the P&EE, Foulness.

After discharge he became the Postmaster at George Street Postoffice.

“He became one of the local councillors at Shoeburyness, and served in that capacity until his retirement before moving to Spain.

“I was privileged to attend Dave and his then wife Jean during his year in office, and together we had many an adventure both home and abroad.

“It was because Dave refused to close the branch down many years ago due to lack of membership, that the Shoebury branch moved on to become one of the biggest and most successful and respected Branches in the whole of the RAA, many have a lot to thank him for.

“If it was not for Dave I would not have met my wife, Catherine again after 23 years apart, I was a young Gunner of 19 when I last saw her, it was Dave who made that happen.

“Today is filled with sadness at this news, but also filled with very many good memories of Dave which will always be there.

“Our deepest Sympathy to Shirley and all Dave's family at this sad time.

“Rounds complete Dave, enjoy a pint in that Battery Bar with all your old mates up in heaven.”

Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West also gave his tribute.

He said: “Whilst I wasn’t the Member of Parliament for Southend West during David’s mayoralty, as the MP for Basildon I met him on a number of occasions throughout the years.

"He was a very highly regarded Mayor of Southend who worked tirelessly on behalf of local residents.

“When I became the MP for Southend West in 1997, I had much more to do with David. He was a wonderful councillor who worked tirelessly on behalf of local residents.

"Through his business running the post office, he had a real connection with the people he served.

"He understood their hopes and aspirations and was a very shrewd judge of character.

"I offer my sincere condolences to his family and thank him for all he did for Southend.”