A FORMER Test Valley mayor is being made a Honorary Alderman.

Former councillor, Ian Carr MBE is set to become an Honorary Alderman next month.

An Honorary Alderman is a past member of Test Valley Borough Council who is recognised for his eminent services to the council and to the people of Test Valley.

Mr Carr said: "I am obviously honoured to be recognised for what I have done as a councillor, becoming an Alderman is nice.

"I got an email about it and I was surprised, MBE last year and Alderman this year - it's good.

"I am honoured to be recognised by my fellow councillors and staff."

Mr Carr will become a Honorary Alderman at a meeting on September 4.

He was elected as a borough councillor in 1987 and was previously mayor of Test Valley in 1995/96. He served as leader from May 1999 until his retirement from the role in May 2017, making him the longest serving councillor in this role.

Some of the highlights during his time as leader include the acquisition of Fishlake Meadows as an area for the public to enjoy informal recreation.

He became deputy mayor in May 2017 and mayor in May 2018.

He was the first councillor on Test Valley Borough Council to hold a separate second term as mayor.

Mr Carr was made an MBE by the Queen for his service to the council in 2018.

In 2017, he was involved in a police investigation as he was in a row with former UKIP councillor Tony Hooke.

The pair were at an event to promote Andover Town Centre when the incident happened.

Police were called to a report of an alleged assault and allegations that Mr Carr launched a foul mouth tirade towards Mr Hooke.