A pair of public servants, who lost their seats on the district council in May’s elections, have been recognised for work spanning more than two decades.

Former councillors Christine Drew and Frances Newth represented Sidmouth for 13 and 10 years respectively, in a variety of roles.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) last week paid tribute to their service by naming them as honorary aldermen of the authority, along with eight other former members.

Mrs Drew served as the council’s vice chairman and the member champion for young people. She was also the vice chairman and then the chairman of the licensing committee, and represented EDDC on Devon County Council’s health overview and scrutiny committee.

Mrs Drew was a trustee of the East Devon Voluntary Support Agency and on the district’s highways and traffic orders committee.

She is now ‘delighted’ to be a community representative on the council’s housing review board and a trustee of a care home for adults with learning difficulties.

“It was a wonderful evening,” said Mrs Drew. “I was very proud and honoured to get that prestigious honour. It made me feel quite humbled.

“I thanked all of the councillors and all the officers for their help over the years. I could go to the officers at any time and they would advise me.”

Mrs Newth was made an alderman after serving on the council for a decade.

She was its vice chairman from 2011 to 2013 and the member champion for sustainability.

Mrs Newth served as the vice chairman of the licensing committee, and of the overview and scrutiny delivery and performance committee.

She said: “I feel very humbled and privileged to receive this honorary alderman award. It’s been a real honour to serve on EDDC for the last 10 years and I have thoroughly enjoyed serving the community.

“I will continue to serve as a town councillor, which I have been since 2002, on various committees and charities within the town.”