HE WAS the long-serving county councillor who represented a Hampshire village throughout his 40-year period in office.

Now Ken Thornber, who stood down at last week’s local elections, has become the first person to be awarded the Freedom of Brockenhurst.

He championed the village for four decades after being elected to the county council for the first time in the late 1970s.

The veteran Tory was leader of the authority for more than a decade and went on to become chairman – but has stepped down after battling ill health.

Mr Thornber, of Sway, was awarded the freedom of the parish at a meeting of the parish council.

The chairman, Cllr Pete Wales, said: “I’ve known Ken for 20 years but he joined Hampshire County Council in 1977 – some 40 years ago. He rose to become a dedicated leader of the authority for 14 years and was awarded a CBE for services to politics.

“Ken (also) became a key figure at Hampshire Police Authority, New Forest National Park, Hampshire Ambulance Trust and an executive member of Local Government Association.”

Mr Thornber was presented with his freedom of the parish certificate by Cllr Wales.

The citation said: “We the council grant you the highest honour we can bestow in recognition of your exceptional contribution to our community over 40 years as a member of Hampshire County Council for the Brockenhurst Division.

“We loudly applaud your valuable and sterling service whilst thanking you most sincerely.”

His comment was a reference to controversial traffic-calming measures installed on a twisting stretch of road between Burley and Brockenhurst in a bid to cut the number of animal accidents.

Some of the so-called pinch-points were removed after protests.

Cllr Thornber told parish councillors: “It is with great regret that I am standing down for health reasons after 40 years.

“I shall miss you tremendously and wish you every success for the future.”

At the elections Conservatives won eight out the ten seats up for grabs in the Forest, reflecting the Tories’ success in other parts of Hampshire and the UK. The seat left vacant by Mr Thornber’s departure was won by fellow Tory Keith Mans, pictured.