LONG serving former Exeter City Councillor, Yolonda Henson has been awarded the Honorary position of Freeman of the City.

The award is recognition of her unstinting duty of public service over a total of 32 years elected service on the City Council.

This includes a number of years as Leader of the Conservative Group, as well as Mayor of the City in 1992.

Throughout that time, she has always put the interests of the residents of the City and the future of the City itself, first.

Yolonda most recently served the residents in the Polsloe ward on the City Council but was defeated in the City Council elections in May of this year.

She said: "It is an honour that the city of Exeter has bestowed on me the Freedom of the City. I will continue to support and promote our lovely ancient city as I have during all my life in Exeter."