A COUNCILLOR has become the first recipient of the borough's civic medal since the Blackburn Rovers title-winning team.

Coun Frank Gorton, who represents Little Harwood, received the honour at a special ceremony in Blackburn Town Hall.

Coun Gorton, 80, has been a councillor for 45 years and, according to colleagues, a "wonderful servant" to the town.

He was honoured after politicians from all parties in the town decided to recognise his almost half-century of service.

The civic medal was last awarded in the borough in 1995 to Blackburn Rovers when the team won the Premiership title.

It was first presented in 1953, and a select band of recipients since has included former prisoner of war Bill Griffiths.

Coun Gorton said: "It is a nice gesture on behalf of the council.

"I've had a lot of satisfaction during the past 45 years from being in a position to help people from across the borough."

Coun Gorton spent much of his working life in different roles at Queen's Park Hospital after serving with the army in India during the Second World War.

He first stood for election in June 1960 for the St. Jude's ward, which now forms Little Harwood.

Coun Gorton was mayor in 1980 and has held a variety of posts on the council and other bodies, including health and transport organisations.