DURHAM Freemen have paid tribute to the lifetime's efforts of their long-serving chairman.
Retired journalist Tom Heron, 94, chaired the guild for almost 40 years but retired at the end of last year because of poor health.
He was given the honorary title emeritus chairman and yesterday received a silver plate and plaque in recognition of his service.
Mr Heron, who worked on the Durham County Advertiser for many years, is a member of the Cordwainers, as are sons Peter and David, and in his role as chairman presided over the quarterly guild days.
He helped formulate the Durham City Council Act 1985, which laid out the conditions of freeman status, produced a guide to the town hall and organised the 1988 annual meeting of the Freemen of England and Wales in Durham.
Mr Heron, of Gilesgate, said his time as chairman had been a wonderful experience and being made emeritus chairman had been a great honour.
Chairman Alan Atkinson said: "He has a marvellous brain and he was a really good chairman."
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