A FUNERAL will take place for a dedicated Halstead councillor next month.

Joe Pike, county councillor for Halstead, passed away last week aged 87.

A service will be held for Mr Pike, who was awarded an MBE in 2012, will take place at West Chapel at Southend Crematorium on January 4.

It will be held from 1.20pm.

The family have asked for no flowers but welcome donations to the Halstead Community Centre Company.

Residents and those who knew Joe are invited to attend the funeral.

Halstead councillor Jackie Pell is organising transport for people who would like to attend the funeral.

Anyone interested is asked to contact Jackie on 01787477369.

Mr Pike was one of the longest serving councillors on Essex County Council, devoting 39 years to public service.

He was first elected to Essex County Council in 1977.

Mr Pike’s daughter Beverly Egan said: “I have been overwhelmed by all the comments and nice words that have been said.”