Former mayor and veteran Medway Labour councillor, Joyce Esterson has died.

Mrs Esterson, 83 passed away at her Rochester home with her husband Derek Esterson, also a former councillor, by her side.

Mrs Esterson, who was also a county councillor, lost her long battle against Parkinson's disease on Friday.

She served as Mayor of Rochester upon Medway between 1991 and 1992.

Her son Bill Esterson, 46, who was voted in as a Labour MP for Sefton, Merseyside. in the last General Election, was travelling to the family home in City Way this afternoon.

The couple also have two daughters Rachel, 53. and Rosamunde, 58 and seven grandchildren.

The funeral is on Monday. April 28 at 2.15pm. at Medway Crematorium, Blue Bell Hill.

• Full tributes in Thursday's Medway Messenger