Today Southend will say farewell to Sir David Amess MP with a service and procession through the town.

Sir David was tragically stabbed to death during an incident at Belfairs Methodist Church in October.

He had been holding a constituency surgery at the time.

Residents who do wish to pay their respects are asked to please spread out along the procession route, wear a face covering if you are able to and respect social distancing measures.

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The estimated timings are as follow:

• 12.15pm church bells will toll

• 1pm memorial service begins

• 2.10pm memorial service ends

• 2.15pm procession will begin from East Street

• 2.20pm approximately the horse-drawn hearse will pause at the Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue and pause for a minute or so to allow people to pay their respects

• 2.35pm approximately the hearse will pause at Iveagh Hall, Leigh Road and will pause again for a minute or two before returning to the chapel of rest for the evening

Echo:

The service will mark the final day the Book of Condolence will be open for people to leave a written tribute to Sir David.

The Book is in the Jubilee Room at the Civic Centre in Victoria Avenue and will be open for the last time, until 7pm on Monday 22 November.

There will be another funeral service for Sir David, the following day Tuesday 23 November in Westminster Cathedral.

Leader Ian Gilbert said: “We understand residents want to pay their respects to our much-loved Sir David and although for security reasons, we are unable to invite the public into the church for the service, there are other ways for people to pay their respects.

“It will be an incredibly emotional day and although Sir David’s family are keen for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time, they understand there are many others in the City who knew and loved him.

“Residents can also pay their respects by lining the streets of Southend as the hearse passes and writing in the Book of Condolence at the Civic Centre before it closes at 7pm.”

People who do wish to pay their respects are asked to spread out along the procession route, wear a face covering if you are able to and respect social distancing measures.