A LONG-SERVING councillor, who has spent three decades working for Tadley, has been honoured with a special award.

Councillor Jo Slimin, who has served on Tadley Town Council for 30 years, was surprised at the monthly full council meeting, held in Franklin Avenue, when council chairman Cllr David Leeks announced she was to be awarded a certificate of good citizenship.

Cllr Leeks said: “It gives me great pleasure to be able to award this certificate.

“She has spent 30 years serving on this council, and has given up her time to help and benefit our residents.”

Cllr Leeks praised Cllr Slimin’s huge contribution to the community over the years, saying: “She was there at the beginning of the Citizens Advice Bureau and worked with others on the swimming pool.”

He listed several other initiatives she has been involved in, including Barlow’s Park, the youth club and the new community bus and many other community projects.

He also praised her for her work on the borough council.

Cllr Slimin said she was “gobsmacked” by the presentation of the certificate and her gift of a gold brooch.

“It is a big surprise,” she said. She told her fellow councillors: “Thank you very much. This award will go on my wall with a great deal of pride.”