A FORMER mayor who served the Stockton area as councillor for more than 38 years has been awarded Honorary Alderman status posthumously.

Stephen Smailes was first elected as a councillor in the Hartburn ward in 1967 for Teesside County Borough Council.

Over nearly four decades as a councillor, he served on Cleveland County Council, Stockton Borough Council, and the Association of North East Councils.

He was also the Stockton Mayor during the civic year 1992/93 and was leader of the Conservative Group on Stockton council. He died in 2005.

Mr Smailes was a keen sportsman and avid cricket fan, and did a lot of voluntary work helping to raise money for local community groups.

The Honorary Alderman status was conferred at a ceremony after the council's current Conservative group led a motion for it. Stockton Mayor Maurice Perry said: “Stephen’s dedication to serving local residents was outstanding.

"Even after major surgery, his conversation with his hospital visitors was all about looking forward to getting back to working for his ward.

“In making Stephen a posthumous Honorary Alderman, we recognise his excellent service on behalf of this community. This is a fitting tribute to an exceptional character.”

"Over the years Stephen frequently showed his enthusiasm and dedication to his work, and was known for his dogged questioning at Council meetings. I am told at a meeting in 2002 he took his colleagues by surprise when for the first time since 1975 he did not ask a single question.

"He always managed to stop and have a word on the doorstep and was generous with the time taken to discuss issues. He gave you the time of day.

"What I know of Stephen during his councillor activities, that he was honest, forthright, reliable, and a man of strong principles who always had the courage of his convictions.

"He made untold contributions to the committees he served and was an ambassador for the town of Stockton."

“I was so pleased with the reception,” said Stephen’s widow, Marie. “It was nice to hear so many fond memories and stories about Stephen. He loved his town and he would have been very proud.”