Tributes are being paid to Isle of Wight councillor Adrian Axford who has passed away.
Council leader Cllr Dave Stewart confirmed the news at tonight's (Thursday's) Cabinet meeting.
He told members:
"I wish to announce that it is with great sadness that today I inform everybody of the sad and unexpected death of Adrian Axford.
"As members will know, he was recovering from a stroke and I understand he was taken ill during the night and passed away during his sleep."
A minute's silence was held for Cllr Axford, who was councillor for the Ryde North West ward.
Cllr Stewart added:
"On behalf of all the members and all other people who have had dealings with Adrian will know this is a sad loss of someone who has been a councillor locally and for the Isle of Wight Council for some time. He has given so much time to his community and will be sadly missed.
"I wish to publicly extend my condolences to his family at this sad time and offer any support that may be needed at this difficult time."
Cllr Axford has lived in Ryde for 35 years, and was previously a County Councillor for seven years.
He has also served on Ryde Town Council since it began.