A LONG-STANDING councillor received praise from both sides of the political divide last week when he was made an Honorary Alderman.

The title is bestowed on people who have excelled in public office.

At a full Cotswold District Council meeting, retired Liberal Democrat councillor Deryck Nash was given a dubious compliment from Tory and council leader Cllr Lynden Stowe, who said: “We always had you down as a closet Conservative”.

Cllr Stowe added, more seriously, that Mr Nash had been “Mr Cirencester” for many years.

Cotswold Lib Dem leader Cllr Joe Harris also had praise for Mr Nash.

He called him the “ultimate pragmatist” and “one of the most charming and hardworking councillors” he had known.

Mr Nash thanked the councillors for their kind words and the honour of serving the community.

“I have made many good friends right across the chamber,” he said.