Reporter Ann Jameson rushed to the aid of a dying councillor after he collapsed during a planning meeting.

Ann, a trained first-aider, was covering proceedings for the Sleaford Target newspaper.

She rushed to Coun John Hill's aid and attempted to resuscitate him until medics arrived.

Ann said afterwards: "Coun Hill had just finished speaking during a discussion of a planning application in the ward he represented.

"Another councillor asked whether he was alright as he had slumped in his chair.

"I am a trained first-aider so I ran over to help along with another councillor, who is a nurse.

"We tried to resuscitate him using CPR until the First Responders came, and then paramedics took him to hospital.

"It was a shock for everyone, and is very sad."

Paramedics were called to North Kesteven District Council's head office at around 4.30pm.

After several attempts to revive 72-year-old Coun Hill, he was taken to Grantham District Hospital where he later died.

He was the first Conservative councillor for Sleaford's Castle Ward, which he won from the Liberal Democrats who had held the seat since it's creation in 1999. He was also a member of the executive board.

Leader of the council, Marion Brighton, was one of many to pay tribute, saying that Coun Hill had been an asset to the authority.

She said: "John was a very fine colleague and an important member of the executive board."

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