TWO former Dudley borough councillors have received the highest local authority honours for their community service.

Former Mayor, Ken Finch, was made an Honorary Alderman and late councillor Richard Body was posthumously also made an Honorary Alderman, having passed away suddenly in 2023.

Ken Finch served the Castle and Priory ward between 1980 and 2023. He was also Mayor of Dudley in 1998/9.

Richard Body, left, and Ken Finch, rightRichard Body, left, and Ken Finch, right (Image: Dudley Council)

Richard Body represented Cradley and Wollescote from 2004 to 2023. He was the former chairman of the taxis committee and tragically he died just days after being re-elected in May 2023.

Councillor Hilary Bills, the Mayor of Dudley, said: “Richard and Ken epitomised what it means to be an elected member, serving their communities with great pride.

Rachel Body, wife of Alderman Richard Body, accepts his posthumous award alongside his family, with the Mayor of Dudley Cllr Hilary Bills and husband and consort John, and Deputy Lieutenant of the West MidlandsRachel Body, wife of Alderman Richard Body, accepts his posthumous award alongside his family, with the Mayor of Dudley Cllr Hilary Bills and husband and consort John, and Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands (Image: Dudley Council)

"They served in a number of roles which captured the breadth of the work of councillors.

"I am delighted we can honour them for their outstanding work.”

Former councillor Karen Shakespeare, who served on the council’s cabinet for many years, is set to be made Honorary Freewoman next week.