LITTLE Thurrock Blackshots councillor Joy Redsell was a popular and emphatic winner for the Conservatives when she held her seat.

Last September, just five months after the couple completed a year as Mayor and Consort, she lost her husband Ray Redsell, 61, who collapsed and died while taking part in a charity fundraising event at the Lakeside Karting Raceway.

For a while councillor Redsell stepped out of the limelight as she attempted to come to terms with the devastating blow but in recent months she has returned to her seat in the chamber and has taken an active part in council affairs.

As she recovered, she received great support from her family and in her speech at the Civic Hall after claiming an emphatic victory, she said: "I'd like to thank everyone for their support and I'd particularly like to thank my family."

Liberal Democrat candidate Thomas Kelly said: "I'm really thankful to everyone who voted for me. I was confident that Joy Redsell would win as she does such a good job for her ward."

Result:

Joycelyn Redsell (Con) 735

Bob Moorman (Lab) 279

Dean Kay (BNP)243

Alan Broad (UKIP) 207

Thomas Kelly (Lib Dem) 106

Maj 456

Con hold

Turnout 35%