FORMER Southend mayor Ron Price is to stand down at May's elections, just a year after completing his term of office.

Mr Price is currently the one remaining Conservative councillor in Prittlewell ward.

The Liberal Democrats have taken two seats in the ward in the past two years - those of former council leaders Anna Waite and Murray Foster.

Mr Price, who lives in the ward, has had a long involvement with council affairs.

First elected as a Liberal Democrat, he was leader of the group for a time, before standing down and later being elected for the Conservatives.

He said: "I am not in the best of health at the moment, having suffered both heart problems and arthritis.

"I will be 70 on my next birthday and I think it is time I stood down and let someone younger have a chance.

"Obviously, I am going to miss it, having been involved for a long time, but I think sometimes some members do go on for too long, rather than standing down.

"I have chaired numerous committees and had a wonderful year as mayor, but I feel it is now time to go."

Mr Price said he planned to take more trips abroad with his wife as they were now both retired.

As well as his council work, Mr Price was well known in the town as manager of South Essex Chamber of Commerce and as the organiser of the annual Whitebait Festival.

Council leader Nigel Holdcroft said: "Ron has been an excellent councillor and mayor and I shall be very sorry to see him go.

"I fully appreciate his desire for an easier life and the opportunity to spend more time in a warmer climate."