THE late Lloyd Wilce, Britain’s longest serving local government councillor, received a unique honour when he was posthumously granted the freedom of his home town of Cinderford.

A certificate validating the honour was presented to his sons Adrian and Nigel by Cinderford Town Council chairman, Cllr Chris Witham, at the official opening of a small memorial garden outside the council offices in Belle Vue.

Cinderford Mayor, Cllr Roger Sterry, said: “Lloyd was a true stalwart of the town council. He can never be replaced and he will be sorely missed.”

The Lloyd Wilce Memorial Garden consists of a paved area with a bench on a grassy area overlooking Belle Vue.

Mr Wilce made national headlines some time ago when it was revealed he was the longest serving councillor in Britain

When he died in February, aged 89, he had an unmatched record of public service dating back to 1949 when he was demobbed from the army.

Among his proud achievements was the key role he played in raising funds for the town’s swimming pool, saving the Miner’s Welfare Hall and twice serving as Mayor of Cinderford.