The former leader of Test Valley Borough Council has been made an Honorary Alderman.

At a special meeting of full council in Crosfield Hall last week, Ian Carr MBE was given the title of Honourable Alderman.

Mr Carr said: "I am really honoured to have been appointed as an Honorary Alderman and I will be forever grateful.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time serving as leader and twice as the mayor of the borough and I am happy to help whenever my assistance may be needed.

"While I was leader, my aim was to serve the community to the absolute best of my ability and it will be no different in this new position."

Current leader of the council, councillor Phil North, said: "Ian has always worked for the benefit of the borough and its residents during his time in local government.

"I’m certain this will be no different and it was brilliant being able to confirm his appointment with my fellow councillors."

He was elected as a borough councillor in 1987 and was previously mayor of Test Valley in 1995/96. He served as leader from May 1999 until his retirement from the role in May 2017, making him the longest serving councillor in this role.

He was the first councillor on Test Valley Borough Council to hold a separate second term as mayor.