A "true gentleman" who has served as a Lancaster councillor for 56 years has been officially awarded the Freedom of the city.
Abbott Bryning, who will step down before this year's local elections in May, was unanimously bestowed with the honour at a Lancaster City Council meeting on Wednesday.
Councillor Bryning, 91, was a councillor for Bulk ward for 40 years and then for Skerton East for 16 years, after first being elected in 1967.
'The Father of the council' was re-elected in 15 successive elections and was twice mayor of Lancaster.
During his working life Councillor Bryning was a former head of business studies at Lancaster and Morecambe College.
The award was officially proposed by his Labour colleague Councillor Jason Wood, and seconded by Conservative councillor Peter Yates.
Councillor Yates, speaking at the meeting on Wednesday, said it had been "an incredible life of giving and service".
"Abbott was so kind to me when I first joined (the council)," said Councillor Yates.
"I can think of no-one more worthy, a true gentleman and a Lancastrian through and through."
The award will be formally presented to Councillor Bryning at the full council meeting on May 19.
Related Story: 'Father' of Lancaster City Council will not stand for election after 56 years of service - Beyond Radio


Police issue quicksand warning after riverbank danger for school pupils in Lancaster
Lancaster animal shelter launches 'Big Build' fundraiser to help save charity
LISTEN: Morecambe "definitely submitting a bid" to become first UK Town of Culture
Heysham Port upgrade blamed for traffic chaos 'trapping residents in their homes'
LISTEN: Tourism champs hail Eden Project and Tour de France as huge for Morecambe Bay area
Donation helps college pan ability football team to play in national championships
LISTEN: Meet the new manager of the Midland Hotel in Morecambe
LISTEN: Main contractor to build Eden Project Morecambe to be announced this month
£1.2m of funding for flood defence schemes in Lancaster district announced
Morecambe Bay hospital trust unveils new painless blood test
Thousands raised to help boost return of Lancaster Music Festival
High street computer games shop in Lancaster closes down
LISTEN: Carnforth actor wins Hollywood and Paris awards for horror film role
"1600 potholes repaired last week" says councillor as roads debate rumbles on
Burger King takeaway in Lancaster city centre closes down
Morecambe lifeboat crew reunite dog lost on sands with owner
New Morrisons Daily supermarket opens in Morecambe
Council investigate after derelict food trailer found dumped in Lancaster layby
Man charged after pedestrian died in Morecambe hit and run
LISTEN: We go out on Pothole Patrol in Morecambe

