LONG-serving Christchurch councillors David Fox and Colin Bungey, along with travel trade doyenne Elizabeth Bath, have been admitted to the red-robed ranks of honorary freemen of the borough.

The title, the highest honour the borough can bestow, was conferred on the trio by a unanimous vote of the council during a special ceremony of civic pomp and circumstance.

For Cllr Fox, celebrating his 73rd birthday that evening, the freedom of the borough adds to his long list of current titles including deputy mayor of Christchurch, deputy lieutenant of Dorset, chair of the Dorset Fire Authority and holder of the OBE.

The retired legal executive and former Grenadier Guardsman was already a Dorset county councillor when he was first elected to the borough council in 1983 and he has twice been mayor of Christchurch during his 25 years representing the St Catherine's and Hurn ward.

Twenty-five years as a councillor, two of them as mayor, has also been achieved by Jumpers ward independent Cllr Bungey, who also serves as a magistrate and is a long-time chairman of the Christchurch Sports Council, among his catalogue of community commitments.

Mrs Bath, whose election was proposed by former Friars Cliff neighbour and fellow honorary freeman Cllr Eric Spreadbury, is the widow of travel tycoon Peter Bath and a co-director of the family firm whose interests include three shops in the town and a key role in the success of the airport at Hurn.

Decked in the scarlet robe and lace jabot of her new title, Mrs Bath told the councillors she and her sons were proud to accept the honour in memory of her husband, who died in December 2006.

"We are overwhelmed and immensely proud," said Mrs Bath.

"We are equally proud that Peter's achievements will live on in Christchurch, at the airport and at his beloved Mudeford beach."