MIKE Davies, Diana Moyse, Terry Pearce and Paul Ridgers were each appointed as an Honorary Alderman of West Devon Borough Council at a special full Council meeting on December 19. The honorary title is given to past Members who, in the opinion of the Council, provided long standing and exceptional services to their communities and the Council. This means they may attend and take part in civic ceremonies from time to time.

The four recipients have clocked up a combined 72 years serving as Borough councillors in their respective wards.

Mike Davies served as Ward Member for Okehampton North between 2015 – 2023 and roles during his term of office include Deputy Mayor (2017/2018), Mayor (2018/2019) and the Chairman of the Council’s Audit Committee from 2015 - 2022.

Diana Moyse, Ward Member for Burrator for 24 years (1999-2023), also held the roles of Vice-Chairman of the Council’s Future Planning and Housing Committee (2003 –2007); the Chairman of that Committee (2007 – 2011) and the Vice-Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (2013 - 2015).

Terry Pearce was first elected as Ward Member for Mary Tavy in 2007 and served on the Council for 16 years before retiring from office in 2023. Terry’s roles included Deputy Mayor (2021-2023), Mayor (2008/2009) and Vice Chairman of the Development Management and Licensing Committee (2019 – 2023).

Paul Ridgers served as Ward Member for Drewsteignton between 1999 - 2023 (24 years) as well as serving as the Chairman of the Council (2003 - 2005) and Chairman of the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny (External) Committee (2015/16).

Following the decision of Special Council to confer the title, each Alderman was presented with a medallion by the Borough Council Mayor.

Mayor of West Devon, Councillor Lynn Daniel, said: “It is an absolute honour to present our four former councillors as honorary aldermen. Their length of service and roles within the Council are testament to their dedication and hard work in supporting communities across the Borough.

“I am sure their respective communities, and West Devon as a whole, join us, the Council in thanking them for their loyalty, commitment and passion in making West Devon a better place for our residents.”