A PARISH council has paid tribute to a councillor who had a "wonderful smile" who has sadly died.

Natalie Lewis-Hoyle, 28, of Heybridge, was sadly found dead on Friday in unexplained circumstances.

Essex Police are not treating her death as suspicious with a file being prepared for the coroner.

Natalie was a councillor on Heybridge Parish Council, and the daughter of Maldon district councillor Miriam Lewis.

The chairman of Heybridge Parish Council Simon Burwood has paid tribute to Natalie who he described as a "great asset" to the village.

In a post on the council's Facebook page, he wrote: "It is with regret that we advise that Cllr Natalie Lewis passed away last Friday December 15.

"During the short time that Natalie was with us, representing local people over local matters, she proved to be a great asset to us and to her community.

"She will be remembered as a young person keen to serve her community, with a lovely smile and sense of mischief. She will be missed by us all.

"Our sincerest condolences, on behalf of the Parish Council and the residents of Heybridge, have been forwarded to her family."