Six former Hampshire County councillors have been honoured with the title of Honorary Alderman.

The recognition, announced on Thursday, November 28, highlights their "distinguished service" to Hampshire's residents.

The former councillors, Tony Barron, Charles Choudhary, Roger Huxstep, Carol Leversha, Patricia West and Seán Woodward, were bestowed the title at a special meeting.

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The recognition highlights their "distinguished service" to Hampshire's residents (Image: Hampshire County Council) Council leader, Nick Adams-King, praised them for their dedication, stating that the title recognises the "eminent service" of those who are no longer council members.

He said: "To be awarded Honorary Alderman status is a mark of the distinction with which these former councillors have served the county council, and the whole community of Hampshire."

Each new Honorary Alderman also received a certificate from the chairman of the county council, Cllr Keith Mans, to commemorate their contribution to Hampshire.

Tony Barron served the Alton Division from 1985 to 2001 and held various significant roles.

These included chairman of the North East (and North West) Hampshire Area Building Panel, chairman of the Education Committee, and vice-chairman of Services for the Under-Eights Joint Sub-Committee.

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Charles Choudhary served the Aldershot West and Aldershot North Divisions from 2013 to 2021.

During his tenure, he was chairman of the county council from 2019 to 2020 and vice-chairman from 2018 to 2019.

Roger Huxstep, who represented the Meon Valley Division from 2013 to 2021, was known for his leadership as the chairman of the Health and Adult Social Care Select Committee and vice-chairman of the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee.

Carol Leversha, who served from 2001 to 2013 representing the Odiham and Farnborough West Divisions, held several key roles.

These included chairman of the Children and Young People Select Committee and chairman of the Policy and Resources Select Committee.

Patricia West, who represented the Andover North and Andover West Divisions from 1999 to 2013, held several important roles.

These included vice-chairman of the Youth Panel, chairman/vice-chairman of the Health and Adult Social Care Committee and chairman of the Children and Young People Select Committee.

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Seán Woodward served the Fareham Sarisbury Division from 2005 to 2024.

He was the executive member for Economy, Transport and Environment, executive member for Recreation and Heritage, and chairman of both the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee and the River Hamble Harbour Board.

The title of Honorary Alderman is reserved for former councillors who have shown "eminent service" to Hampshire County Council and the broader community.

The recognition celebrates their efforts in improving the lives of Hampshire residents and their significant contributions to the county's administration.