A VETERAN councillor has been named as an honorary alderman of Essex.

Roy Smith, who had been a county councillor in west Clacton for 36 years, stood down from his role before the elections earlier this year.

Mr Smith, of Cherry Tree Avenue, Clacton, continued as a district councillor, and last year served as chairman of Tendring Council.

Mr Smith said: “It was a real pleasure to be named as an alderman for the county. I was at County Hall most days when I was a councillor, and it had become a big part of my life.

“In that time, I have never missed a full council meeting, and for a time I was chairman of social services.

“I am 82 now, and serving for another four years would have taken its toll, travelling all the way to Chelmsford.”

Elizabeth Hart, county council chairman, will formally confer the honour in December.

Mrs Hart said: “Roy has been an exceptional county councillor for the people of Clacton.”

The title of honorary alderman is given to past members of the council in recognition of their outstanding contribution to Essex. Ken Jones, Anthony Clover, William Archibald and Chris Manning-Press were also named as aldermen.