FOUR former Worcester councillors are going to get the recognition their efforts deserve - after clocking up an incredible 103 YEARS service between them.

Worcester City Council wants to hand a quartet of its retired politicians the ultimate accolade by awarding them the title of 'Honorary Alderman'.

One of them includes Councillor Derek Prodger, the county's current fire authority chairman who will leave politics altogether next year after being de-selected at Worcestershire County Council.

Councillor Prodger retired from the city council last year after a remarkable 34 years' service at the Guildhall.

Former Labour councillors Clifford Lord and Jeff Carpenter, as well as ex-Tory councillor Robert Rowden will also get the accolade.

Mr Lord, who first came to Worcester aged six, was first elected to the city council in 1950 for the St Martin ward until 1955.

He returned in 1984 and was elected to the Holy Trinity ward for 12 years until 1996, spending time as city mayor and the chairman of two key panels.

Mr Carpenter, who hails from South Wales but has lived in Worcester most of his life, was first elected in 1973 and served 27 years in the St Martin ward.

A former mayor himself, he also held various positions overseeing planning and the arts during his time.

Mr Rowden stood down last year after 25 years’ service in Battenhall, and after becoming the council's first Tory leader for two decades in 2000, became mayor in 2002.

He also chaired the planning committee for 10 years, which still stands as a record.

A full council meeting is taking place next Thursday on making all four honorary aldermen, joining an exclusive club created as a mark of ultimate respect to those elected to serve.

A motion suggesting the move has been jointly created by Labour Councillor Adrian Gregson, the city's leader and Councillor Marc Bayliss, who leads Worcester Conservatives.

Councillor Gregson said: "Being a councillor is a voluntary role, a committed role done by people who want to be a part of their community.

"All of them have seen tangible benefits not only to their own wards but the city as a whole during their time, it's right we recognise that."

Councillor Bayliss said the motion was aimed at recognising the outstanding service they have all given the city.

If approved, their names will be added to the 'Roll of Honorary Aldermen' displayed in the Guildhall, and they will be presented with certificates and badges at a special ceremony.