THREE former councillors are set to be recognised for their ‘exceptional service’.

Former council leader Russ Bowden, former mayor Maureen Creaghan and former leader of the town’s Liberal Democrats Bob Barr are each set to be made an Honorary Alderman at the extraordinary meeting of the council next Monday.

All three stepped down at the last local elections in May.

It is being recommended that they are awarded the title of Honorary Alderman in recognition of their ‘exceptional service’ to Warrington Borough Council.

Furthermore, at the extraordinary meeting of the council, it is being recommended that David Skentelbery is awarded the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough.

A supporting statement included in a report for the meeting says: “David Skentelbery has clocked up nearly 70 years of Local News Reporting across the Borough.

“Starting work in the Knutsford Guardian, he initially rode his bike around the region reporting on Parish Council meetings at all times of year.

“Having worked for the Warrington Guardian and the Lancashire Evening Post, learning the trade of national news, radio and television David Skentelbery set up Orbit News, the precursor Warrington Worldwide, Lymm Life and Cheshire Life.

"David set up Warrington Worldwide website, through self-taught HTML as the first independent daily online newspaper in mainland Britain. Warrington Worldwide is now a 3rd generation family run operation celebrating 25 years, with Orbit News still running in its 56th year of operation."

The supporting statement also says David is still working part-time in the business.