Tributes have been paid to two long-serving Kingston councillors who have died within days of each other.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Chrissie Hitchcock, who had represented Grove ward since 1990, died suddenly at her home on Monday night after a short illness.

Former Conservative councillor Frank Thompson, who stepped down from his Tudor ward seat in 2014 due to ill health, died on Saturday, May 23. 

Kingston's new mayor, Coun Roy Arora, said: “The borough has lost two of its most dedicated, hard-working citizens.

"Frank and Chrissie were both wonderful councillors who were liked and respected across the political divide.

"Although very different characters, they shared a passion for Kingston and its people.

"They will be greatly missed by all who knew and worked with them.”

Kingston and Surbiton MP James Berry also paid tribute. 

He said: "I was sad to hear today of the deaths of Frank Thompson and Cllr Chrissie Hithcock.

"Both are big losses to politics in Kingston, coming so soon after Cllr Howard Jones' sad death last year.

"I offer my condolences to Frank and Chrissie's families and friends."