A RETIRED mayor’s officer who served Kidderminster’s civic leader for almost two decades has been honoured for all his hard work in the town.

Robert Fleming was installed as Honorary Freeman at a special meeting of the Charter Trustees of the Town of Kidderminster on Wednesday, April 22, in recognition of his services to the Mayoralty.

More than 150 guests saw Mr Fleming admitted into office – the first time the Charter Trustees have bestowed this title on anyone since 1988.

Traditionally, the title of Honorary Freeman is given to a person or persons who are deemed to have served the Town with distinction.

Mr Fleming became Mayor’s officer in 1995 and proudly served the town and its mayoralty for 19 years until his retirement last year.

He said: “When I got the phone call to tell me that I was to receive this honour I was quite emotional.

“It’s not something I thought would ever happen to me. My work has always been behind the scenes. I am greatly humbled by this award given by the great town of Kidderminster.”