THREE long-serving Dudley councillors have been given the coveted freedom of the borough and alderman honours for their commitment and dedication.

Councillor David Sparks and former councillors David Caunt and Pat Martin - who have a combined public service spanning more than 100 years - were given the top civic titles at a presentation event last night (Thursday).

The freedom of the borough was given to Councillor Sparks and David Caunt, while Pat Martin was made an honorary alderman.

Councillor Sparks is currently the longest serving member of Dudley Council and still serves as cabinet member for finance.

The Quarry Bank councillor and former council leader received an OBE in the Queen’s honours list in 2003 and was elected chairman of the Local Government Association in 2014.

He said: “It is with pleasure that I accept this honour of being named as a Freeman of the borough. As a councillor still serving here in Dudley, I will continue to do the best I can for the residents of this borough.”

David Caunt served continuously as a councillor for Sedgley from 1970 until his retirement in May last year and led the council from 2004 to 2009.

Mr Caunt, who received an MBE from the Queen for services to local government in 2010, said: "It has been a great honour to receive this recognition after first starting to serve the council and the borough over 45 years ago - I have so many memorable moments during those years."

Former mayor Pat Martin started her political career at North Bedfordshire Council, where she served from 1974 to 1983.

She then moved to Stourbridge where she said she was "received so warmly" and was elected to the Amblecote ward in 2000, where she served until her retirement in 2015

Mrs Martin, who was cabinet member for personnel, legal and property, said: "The time I have spent in Dudley borough has been incredible and I am delighted and proud to be named as an honorary Alderman of the borough.”

Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Steve Waltho, congratulated the trio on their honours and thanked them for dedicating "more than a century of service to local government, helping others and improving their communities".