POLITICAL rivalries have taken the backseat as Labour councillor took on a Tory challenge to come to the Southend election count dressed in a dinosaur suit.

Labour Kursaal ward councillor Matt Dent, who up for election this year, donned the dino-suit after being challenged to do so by Tory councillor Kevin Buck.

Mr Dent, who says the suit was a Christmas gift from his partner, is raising money for the mayor’s chosen charity, the St Vincent’s Centre, in Short Street.

The centre provides meals and support for the homeless as well as any vulnerable person within the community.

Mr Dent says he won’t be wearing the suit, which when blown up reaches at least 6ft tall, all night – for fear of “passing out!”.

“I’m willing to look stupid at the best of times, so I’m more than happy to do so to raise money for charity,” he told the Echo.

Mayor Kevin Robinson says the dino appeal has so far raised £200.

“It’s great to see rivalries set aside for a bit of fun to raise money for a good cause,” he said.