Two former councillors have been recognised for their services to the County by being honoured as Aldermen.

Jean Battle and Dorothy Westell both received the honour at a County Hall meeting of the full council on Thursday, December 18.

Eleven former councillors, who have given 260 years of service between, received the accolade.

Jean Battle served as a Labour County Councillor for Accrington North for 14 years from 1995 - 2009.

During her time as a county councillor she also served as a councillor for Hyndburn for 18 years and as vice chair of the county council.

Jean said it was quite a shock when she found out she was being recognised for her efforts.

She said: “People don’t realise how much work goes into being a councillor, so it was nice to be remembered and know that I haven’t been forgotten.

“It was a bit of a surprise for myself and Dorothy when we found out we were going to be recognised for our service.

“Even though we’ve been gone for a few years its nice to be remembered.”

Dorothy Westell also served as a Labour county councillor for Oswaldtwistle for 16 years.

She said: “It was a lovely day, I still go back to the County Council every so often as I’m still on committees. We have a lot of hard working county councillors.

“It was a wonderful day and it was very nice to be recognised for my work during my time there.”

The title of honorary Alderman is awarded to former county councillors who, in the opinion of the council, made a significant contribution to Lancashire during their time in office.

To be approved as an Honorary Alderman of Lancashire, more than two thirds of county councillors attending the special meeting of the full council must vote in favour of those who have been put forward.

County Councillor Kevin Ellard, Chairman of Lancashire County Council, said: “Being made an Honorary Alderman of Lancashire is a fitting way to mark what these men and women have done for Lancashire and the county council over many years.

“Those put forward have all shown a tremendous amount of dedication, loyalty and commitment to the thousands of people they served while in office.”