HEARTFELT tributes to three former West Somerset councillors were paid by colleagues when they were made honorary Aldermen of the district at a special council meeting.

The three – former leader Tim Taylor, council chairman Eddie May and planning committee chair Tony Knight – had notched up 44 years of service to the community between them.

The honour is rarely bestowed and current chairman Cllr Bruce Heywood said: “It’s a colossal achievement to give 44 years unstinting service to this council and the people we serve.

He said Eddie May had been a councillor, representing Williton, for 24 years and chaired the council through three challenging years from 2008-2011.

“He is a true countryman, down to earth and pragmatic and so easy to get on with. He has been very much the people’s person and loved by all in the community.”

Tony Knight served as a councillor for Watchet for 12 years – and chaired the planning committee for seven years. “He was the doyen of planning,” said Cllr Heywood. “His skills were marked by local knowledge and his integrity.”

Tim Taylor was leader of the council for five years from 2010 until standing down from the authority at last year’s local election.

Cllr Heywood said that Mr Taylor had 'thrown himself into serving the council and the wider community. He made a huge contribution to this council and to West Somerset.'

The role of Honorary Alderman was introduced to recognise those who had 'rendered eminent service' to their authority but were no longer elected members.