A councillor has been recognised for his years of service to the community by being given the title Freeman of the Parish of Sarratt.
Tony Barton, who served as a Three Rivers district councillor for 17 years, was given the unexpected honour at a Sarratt Parish Council meeting last week.
Mr Barton said: "It was a nice farewell and they (the parish council) have never done it before.
"We do what we do as councillors. We try and give something back and a recognition of thanks feels like a million pounds."
The award recognises "the outstanding work and distinguished services" of Mr Barton.
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