A FORMER Wyre Forest District councillor who represented constituents for more than three decades has been honoured for his service.

Mike Kelly was bestowed with the title of Honorary Alderman at a special meeting of Wyre Forest District Council on Wednesday, September 28.

He was first elected to the Council in 1973, in its shadow year. He went onto serve three spells of office on the District Council from 1973 to 1976, from 1980 to 2000 and from 2004 until he retired in May 2015.

Most recently, Councillor Kelly represented the Habberley & Blakebrook Ward.

At the time of his retirement, Councillor Kelly’s 34 years as a member of Wyre Forest District Council made him the second longest serving member on the authority.

He was Chairman of the Council in 1989-1990 and Mayor of Kidderminster in 1992. He had previously served on Kidderminster Borough Council and, uniquely, was also elected as a member of Kidderminster Town Council in its first elections in May.

The Chairman of the Council, Councillor Rose Bishop, presented him with a Badge of Office and a scroll.

Among the privileges he is now entitled to receive invitations to all civic events to which members of the council are invited, and to walk in civic processions in a position immediately senior to serving Members.

Alderman Kelly said: “I have always enjoyed being part of Wyre Forest District Council and serving the community alongside my colleagues.

“I was privileged to have held many senior positions on the Council and feel very honoured to receive this title. I’m delighted my friends and family were here to enjoy this happy occasion.”

Councillor Bishop said: “It was a great pleasure for me to perform the ceremony and to bestow the title of Honorary Alderman on Mike Kelly.

“It recognises his outstanding service to the authority and the local community over many years. He is highly respected and admired by councillors from all political parties and this honour is thoroughly deserved.”

Councillor Kelly still remains involved in local government, as a ward member for Blakebrook & Habberley South on Kidderminster Town Council.