VETERAN Carmarthenshire photographer Jeff Connell has died unexpectedly overnight.

The 68-year-old, Carmarthenshire County Council’s official photographer of many years, is believed to have died following a heart attack.

Council leader Emlyn Dole issued the following statement:

“It was with great sadness that I was informed early this morning of the sudden death of Jeff Connell.

“Jeff has been our official photographer for many years. A valued member of staff and a character in his own right. He was an absolute joy to work with.

“Affable, with wicked sense of humour. He never had to ask anyone to smile, you’d already be smiling in his company by the time the picture was taken.

“Although he had many punch-lines, his favourite was always to tell us “don’t run away” while he checked the camera.

“He was a skilled operator and a talented photographer and will be missed by us all.

“It is with great sadness that I offer my condolences on behalf of all the staff and the members of Carmarthenshire County Council to his wife Desna and all the family in their loss.”