THREE former mayors were honoured at their final council meeting.

Councillors Margaret Jones, Colin Churchman and Gordon Barton are all standing down at the next elections on Thursday, May 1.

Council leader Terry Hipsey and John Kent, leader of the Labour group, led tributes and together put forward a motion to thank the trio "for their years of outstanding service to the community".

Mr Kent described Mr Churchman - mayor in 2005/06 - as a "little terrier" who was a "tremendous" mayor.

Mr Hipsey added: "Colin is a typical Thurrock man, there is a great energy and vibrancy about you. You are a great ward councillor for Aveley and I'm choked you won't be around next year."

Margaret Jones first joined Thurrock Council in 1963 - and has spent 35 of the last 45 years representing South Ockendon and Belhus.

She was the borough's first mayor in 1974.

Mr Kent told how Margaret was the first person to speak from the stage of the Thameside Theatre, introducing Lord Good-man, the then chairman of the Arts Council, at its opening.

Mr Hipsey said: "Marg-aret is just wonderful, I don't know what we're going to do without you. It's been a pleasure working with her." Gordon Barton was mayor in 2002/03.

He was described as "an absolute gentleman" by Mr Hipsey, who added: "As I go around the borough many people speak highly of him."

Mr Kent told how Gordon was first elected in 1990 in West Thurrock and moved to represent Chad-well four years later.

He said: "Everyone speaks highly of Gordon, he's always there when you need him offering help and advice to everyone, both here at the council and regardless of party, and in his ward too."

Other members added tributes before current mayor Diane Revell presented them with flowers.

Long-serving councillor Val Liddiard has also retired from Thurrock Council.