A VETERAN councillor has been praised for serving his residents with distinction for 20 years as he was bestowed with the prestigious Honorary Alderman title.

Derek Jarvis, former Tory councillor for arts, culture, heritage and leisure, was honoured by emotional councillors on Wednesday night at a special council meeting.

Mr Jarvis, who is battling bowel cancer, was sadly unable to attend but his wife, Val, accepted the award in his place.

Reading a message from her husband to his former colleagues, Val said: “I never thought when I agreed to become a candidate that I would be elected with a big majority, serve 23 years as a councillor until May this year, being a cabinet member for a number of these years and have the opportunity to be mayor and being the first citizen of this wonderful city.”

Mr Jarvis said he had been “blessed” to make so many friends in the council.

Close friend Tony Cox, former leader of the Conservative Group and current leader of the Reform Group, struggled to hide his emotions as he paid tribute to his “mentor”.

He said: “Whilst I’m proud to propose Derek this evening, this is also a difficult night for me in many ways as circumstances have necessitated bringing forward this award.

“Derek has served West Shoebury with distinction for over twenty years and was one of the finest mayors this city has ever had. He has championed many causes right up to his retirement in May this year.

Mr Cox added: “Derek was more than just a ward colleague. He’s been like a second dad and his wife, Val, like a second mum.”

James Courtenay, leader of the Conservative Group acknowledged Mr Jarvis’s accomplishments, including helping to bring an Olympic quality diving pool at Garon Park used for the preparation of Team GB at 2012 Olympics.

He said: “Derek has always had such a youthful outlook. He’s been supportive of the arts and culture, loved his tourism brief, never failing to turn up to support the vast number of events across the city during his tenure as the portfolio holder for culture and tourism.”

Daniel Cowan, Labour leader of the council, praised Mr Jarvis’s time as a cabinet member.

He said: “He was genuinely fantastic. His commitment to arts and culture in Southend are second to none.”