Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú

A councillor has announced he will stand down at May's elections after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Derek Jarvis's illness was announced at a Southend-on-Sea City Council meeting.

Conservative Mr Jarvis is the councillor responsible for arts, culture, heritage and leisure.

Council leader Tony Cox said Mr Jarvis had asked news of his condition "because he didn't want anyone to think he was having a dereliction of his duties".

Mr Cox said: "Even with his issues he's still been diligently working behind the scenes even down to signing off the public responses I had to read out for him tonight.

"It's sad and I just wanted to have a little sombre thought. Derek is a good friend, an outstanding ward colleague, an excellent mayor and I'm sure this whole chamber will wish him well for his imminent operation and we wish him a speedy recovery.

"I'm sure he will fight this dreadful disease and will be back here next year if we agree to nominate him as an alderman of this city."

Follow East of England news on , and . Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830