TWO former Harrogate Borough councillors, with 43 years combined service, have been conferred with the title of Honorary Alderman.

In recognition of their long service and dedication to the district former Mayors of the Borough of Harrogate, Michael Newby and Bill Hoult, received the title at an extraordinary meeting of the council.

Mr Newby served on Harrogate Borough Council for 24 years, while Mr Hoult, served for 19 years. Both stood down at this year’s elections in May.

At the meeting, Councillor Richard Cooper Harrogate Borough Council Leader, and Councillor Philip Broadbank, Leader of the Opposition, paid tribute to the work of Mr Newby and Mr Hoult. The motion was then carried unanimously by council.

Councillor Jim Clark, the Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, said: “I would like to congratulate Michael and Bill for their hard work and dedication as councillors. It has been a pleasure to confer the title of Honorary Alderman upon them in recognition of their long service to the community.”