Former Okehampton mayor and West Devon Borough councillor Mike Davies, attended his first event on Tuesday (January 30) as honorary alderman, after being granted the title in December. 

In recognition of his many years of service to West Devon, the borough council awarded Mr Davies with the title of honorary alderman at the end of last year.

To celebrate the achievement, members of the Okehampton community invited him to the official opening of a new computer repairs shop in the town, Oke Computer Repairs.

At the event, Mr Davies officially declared the shop open for business and spoke of surprise and gratitude at receiving the honorary alderman title.

He said: “I was quite surprised when they asked me. I didn’t know such a position existed at the time. Quite surprised but honoured at the same time.

“I’ve got a lot of experience having served as a councillor for over 20 years. 

“As an alderman, I may not be able to help people as a councillor but I’ve certainly got a lot of experience to actually signpost them in the right direction.”

Throughout his years in local politics, Mr Davies has carried out many roles including the role of Okehampton town councillor, borough councillor for Okehampton North (2015-2023), Mayor of Okehampton, Mayor of West Devon (from 2018-2019), Deputy Mayor of West Devon (from 2017-2018) and chairman of the borough council’s audit committee between 2015 and 2022.

West Devon Borough Council awards the honorary title of alderman to past councillors that it feels have given exceptional and long-standing service to their community and borough council.

In December past West Devon councillors Diana Moyse (former borough councillor to Burrator ward), Terry Pearce (former borough councillor to Mary Tavy ward) and Paul Ridgers (former borough councillor to Drewsteignton ward) were also awarded the title of honorary alderman alongside Mr Davies.

Together the four former councillors have clocked up a total of 72 years of service to the borough council in their respective wards.

These four newly-named alderman subsequently received medallions from the current serving Mayor of West Devon Lynn Daniel in recognition of the title.

The title of alderman dates back to the Anglo-Saxon era when it was originally used to describe a man of high status within a community. 

These men were often officials of the crown who served judicial, administrative and military functions. Earls and governors of counties were often those who received the title.

Today, it is honorary title, although alderman can still take part in civic ceremonies and attend all council meetings in the borough, including those closed to members of the public and press.