A LONG serving Sedgley councillor has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.
Former council leader David Caunt said he was "very pleased" to be given the prestigious accolade.
The 69-year-old councillor has been awarded the honour for his services in local government, after serving on Dudley Council since 1970.
Speaking about the honour, cllr Caunt, said: "I am very pleased and glad to be recognised for the work I have done."
Cllr Caunt, who said he was told the news before the General Election, said he was pleased he did not have to keep it to himself anymore, and was now looking forward to a trip to Buckingham Palace.
Cllr Caunt, a former Wolverhampton University lecturer, was leader of the authority for six years and still holds the record for being the youngest ever mayor of Dudley after taking up the role in 1983, aged just 43.
Cllr Caunt, who has one daughter and two granddaughters, has represented the Sedgley ward since his election in the seventies.
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