A FORMER Brentwood councillor who served as the authority's chairman in the early 1980s has died.

Eric Walker, a Conservative, passed away on January 2 at the age of 93.

From 1973 to 1988 Mr Walker served as Doddinghurst ward councillor and was chairman of the council from 1980 to 1981.

A minutes silence will be held at the next ordinary council meeting and flags will be flown at half mast on January 16 when he is cremated.

Council leader Louise McKinlay said: "Eric Walker served on the council for 15 years and in that time he was chairman of the council from 1980-81.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family at this sad time.”

Following his cremation, a service of celebration will be held at All Saints Church in Doddinghurst starting at 11.30am.

Residents are welcome to join the service but are advised only family members will be allowed to bring flowers.