'Dedicated' ex-policeman named honorary alderman

Percy Prowse said he was truly honoured to receive the honour

A former lord mayor of Exeter who served in the police for 30 years has been appointed an honorary alderman.

Percy Prowse, 72, is only the 16th person to be awarded the recognition since 1981.

Mr Prowse, a familiar figure in Exeter's streets as a cape-wearing police officer, said he was "truly honoured".

He had served more than 30 years with Devon and Cornwall Police and was often seen cycling through Exeter in his blue serge cape, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

He later became a Conservative county councillor for Pennsylvania, Stoke Hill and Duryard, chaired the county council until 2024, and represented Duryard and St James on the city council for 12 years. He was lord mayor in 2014.

City councillors unanimously supported his appointment, which had been delayed in 2019, due to his active role on the county council.

"He will be a fantastic ambassador and advocate for our great city," said councillor Peter Holland.

Councillor Michael Mitchell said Mr Prowse had given "years of dedicated service to the community."

Mr Prowse said: "I just hope I can do enough to fulfil the honour I've just been bestowed."