Honiton Town Council has awarded Honoured Citizen status to a former councillor for her more than 40 years of service to the town.

The vote to award Vera Howard Honoured Citizen status was held at a meeting on Monday 17 January. It was passed unanimously and received with applause.

It comes after Ms. Howard resigned from the town council on 3 January this year.

At the meeting, Chairman Cllr Serena Sexton read out a letter from another former councillor, Jill McNally.

The letter read: "Vera has worked hard and diligently for Honiton Town Council for very many years ... her encyclopaedic knowledge of this town has been appreciated on very many occasions.

"She has always fought in council for community groups in support of very young people.

"I considered her a very good friend as well as admiring her continued input into the council.

"Her savvy wit within and without Honiton Town Council [is] legendary. She will be a very great loss to the council. Please honour her; no-one else could deserve it more."

In addition, Cllr Jake Bonetta said: "As the youngest member of the council as it stands at the moment approaching the sprightly age of 20 ... it is extraordinary to think that someone could have served on this council for two of my current lifetimes.

"The service and dedication that must have gone into that, and the work and the pride put into this town, that is something that we must celebrate.

"I think this is an exemplary way for us to honour her service to this town, and therefore I give my full support to this move."

Honoured Citizen status is given to individuals who have given exceptional service to the town.

Honoured Citizens are invited to all civic functions held by the council, are given the award at a formal civic ceremony, and have their names featured on the Roll of Honoured Citizens that hangs in the council chamber.

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