County's longest serving councillor granted honour

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse has been granted the freedom of Warwickshire

Warwickshire County Council's longest-serving councillor said he was "deeply moved" to have been granted the freedom of the county.

Liberal Democrat councillor Jerry Roodhouse has served at Shire Hall for more than 32 years, and also acted as Rugby Borough Council's millennium mayor three years ago.

He was unanimously voted as an honorary freeman of Warwickshire at a full council meeting on Tuesday, prompting county officials to start thumbing the record books.

Members of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers were bestowed with the accolade in 2012 but it is understood Roodhouse is the first individual to be given it in decades.

In making the nomination, the county highlighted the Rugby Eastlands ward member's "significant achievement and contribution" to the community.

It also praised his "strong record of campaigning on matters relating to health and social care, local policing, protecting green areas and helping community groups including Age UK".

While the honour does not carry any direct privileges, Roodhouse said he was "honoured and humbled" to be awarded it.

"Although my roots are in Yorkshire, Warwickshire and Rugby is my home. Warwickshire's history, its landscapes, and above all its people have shaped my life in ways I will never forget," he said.

"To be recognised in this way by the place and community I hold so dear is so deeply moving."

He also expressed his gratitude to his family, friends, council colleagues and the Eastlands and Paddox community for their "support, encouragement and kindness".

"This honour is not something I could ever have achieved alone," he continued.

"Thank you for bestowing this rare and special honour upon me. I will treasure it always."