The achievements and long service of two former South Hams District councillors are to be recognised at a special civic presentation in May.

South Hams councillors have voted to confer the title of Honorary Aldermen on Richard Yonge and David Thorning in recognition of their service and dedication to the local community.

The title is awarded to people who have, in the opinion of the council, "rendered eminent services to the South Hams as former members of the district council".

Nominees would normally have served a minimum of 12 years as a district councillor and would have made significant contributions to the local community.

Richard (Conservative) served as a ward member for Yealmpton for 33 years from 1974 to 2007.

John Tucker, SHDC: "We are very pleased to be able to give these awards in recognition of the hard work and service to the council and to the community undertaken by both Richard and David."

As well as representing the council on a number of other organisations and committees, Richard was leader of South Hams District Council (SHDC) for six years from 2001 to 2007.

He was a member of numerous committees, including health, housing, leisure and recreation, planning, policy and resources, finance sub-committee, economy and employment, personnel, environment, health and safety, resources, SHDC/DCC partnership committee, environmental health and housing and executive.

At various times, Richard held the post of chairman or vice chairman for several of these committees.

David (Liberal Democrat) was ward member for Kingsbridge East for 12 years between 1991 to 1999 and 2003 to 2007.

He was chairman of the SHDC for 1997/98, having been vice-chairman the previous year.

In addition to representing the council on various outside organisations, David was a member of several committees, including Health and Safety, Leisure and recreation, Planning, Salcombe Harbour and policy and finance.

He held the post of vice-chairman of Salcombe Harbour.

Councillor John Tucker, leader of SHDC, said: "We are very pleased to be able to give these awards in recognition of the hard work and service to the council and to the community undertaken by both Richard and David.

"I believe it is important to officially recognise the hard work and dedication of people who give so much to the community for so many years."