TWO of Middlesbrough’s longest serving councillors have been honoured for their commitment to the town.

Councillors Bob Kerr and Garry Clark have been elected members of the authority for more than three decades each but will stand down at the forthcoming election in May.

The pair – both members of the council’s Labour group – were given recognition awards from the town’s elected Mayor Ray Mallon at a special ceremony in the Town Hall.

Councillor Kerr first stood for election in a Coulby Newham ward by-election in 1982.

That bid was unsuccessful, but the following year he was elected to represent the Ayresome Ward, where he remained as a councillor until 1995.

After a spell in Kirby Ward, Cllr Kerr has represented Clairville since 2003.

He said: “Through my position as a councillor I have been privileged to get to know a lot of people who otherwise I wouldn’t have known and I will always be grateful for that.”

Councillor Garry Clark was also first elected to Middlesbrough Council in 1983, representing Beechwood Ward for 32 years and winning eight elections.

He said: “I’m pleased we have been given this recognition and it has been a very special occasion. It has been a privilege to serve the people of Middlesbrough.”