A FORMER St Helens mayor has been made an Honorary Alderman of the borough for his long service to the community and council.

Tom Hargreaves MBE, who was mayor of St Helens from 2011 to 2012, was put forward for the title, which is the highest award that can be made to a former councillor, in November, in recognition of his service to the council.

During his almost 30 years as a councillor for Bold, he also set up his charity, Hargreaves Dementia Trust, for people in St Helens living with dementia, before retiring from the role last year.

Mr Hargreaves returned to St Helens Town Hall for Annual Council on Wednesday, May 17, where he received a sincere ovation from everyone in attendance on being presented with his scroll after swearing his oath.