MEMBERS of Norton Town Council both past and present have honoured two former members.

Keith Mennell and John Stone were presented with service awards for their contribution to the town and council.

Mr Mennell, served as a councillor for 45 years and was mayor on five separate occasions, while Mr Stone served on the council for eight years and was mayor on one occasion.

The pair were presented with their certificates at a tea party held at the Old Lodge Hotel, Malton.

Norton mayor Councillor Ray King said the council wished to recognise Mr Mennell’s exceptional contribution over many years to the community of Norton and beyond, through his work with the council and his dedication to serving the senior citizens of the town with his long held commitment to the senior citizens’ Christmas party.

He added that the council also wished to recognise Mr Stone’s contribution to the community and his dedication to the research, documentation and preservation of the history of the town and the local area.

Coun King said: “It has been a pleasure to serve along with these councillors and I have learnt a lot from both of them.

Their wealth of experience and knowledge of all local matters has been invaluable to Norton Town Council and we all owe them a great debt.

He added: “I thank them on behalf of the community for their tireless service and wish them well in the future.”