A FORMER councillor has presented with an award after 36 years of service.

Former Romsey Town mayor and councillor, Michael Curtis, was given the Honorary Burgess Award at a ceremony in Romsey Town Hall, Market Place.

An Honorary Alderman is a past member of Test Valley Borough Council who is recognised for his eminent services to the council and to the people of Test Valley.

The Honorary Burgess Award was presented to Michael Curtis, former Independent councillor, at a ceremony in Romsey Town Hall on Thursday, October 17, and was attended by Lady Mountbatten as well as current and former councillors.

Members of organisations Michael supported over the years were present at the ceremony along with friends and family members.

Michael said: "It is a great honour to be installed as an Honorary Burgess by Romsey Town Council in recognition of my thirty six years as a town councillor and two terms as town Mayor.

"It has been a privilege to have served as a councillor and I have always tried to do what I believed to be right for the town."

He added: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the town councillors for this honour they have bestowed on me."

Michael served as the mayor of Romsey twice in 2003 and 2010.

Cllr Janet Burnage, who represents Romsey Cupernham on the borough council, said: "I was delighted to be able to host the presentation of the award of Honorary Burgess of Romsey to Michael Curtis in recognition of his long service as a Romsey Town councillor and as mayor on two occasions, it was an honour to do so."

This comes after the former Conservative councillor Ian Carr received the Honorary Burgess Award on September 4.