Veteran Sheppey councillor Adrian Crowther is being treated in a London hospital after being taken ill on Wednesday.

The 72-year-old, who represents the Island on Kent County Council and Minster Cliffs on Swale Borough Council, is believed to have suffered a heart attack.

He was first elected as a Conservative councillor in 2000, but defected to UKIP earlier this year following the Tories' decision to replace him as a candidate in the county elections.

He went on to retain his seat, however, with a majority of nearly 700 votes.

Cllr Crowther served as Swale mayor in 2009-10 and performed scores of civic duties across the borough.

Among his achievements are the trim trail equipment on the Minster Leas and new street lighting along Scrapsgate.

Swale council leader Cllr Andrew Bowles said: "Cllr Adrian Crowther has been unexpectedly admitted to hospital.

"We will stay in contact with his close friends to monitor his progress.

"We wish Adrian well and our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this time."

It is understood he is being cared for in King's College Hospital.