FORMER Mayor of Portland Les Ames has been declared an honorary freeman of the island.

Mr Ames, who already carries the title of honorary alderman, has been recognised for his 40-year contribution to local politics.

Friends, family, councillors and dignitaries gathered at the Aqua Hotel for a ceremony marking the occasion.

Attendees included Lord Lieutenant Angus Campbell, South Dorset MP Richard Drax and Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, Cllr Kate Wheller.

Mr Ames becomes the second person to become an honorary freeman of Portland, following in the footsteps of Alan Martindale, former member of Portland Town Council and town Alderman.

Speaking to the Echo prior to receiving his certificate, Mr Ames said: “It’s just a wonderful place to live.

“The people are marvellous and you won’t meet Portland people anywhere else in the world.”

Mr Ames was presented with a framed certificate highlighting the feat by current Mayor of Portland Rob Hughes.

Cllr Hughes said it was a privilege to present Mr Ames the award, adding it was the ‘highest tribute’ the parish could pay.

He said: “Les has served the people of Portland for nearly 40 years across three councils.

“He’s been the mayor of Weymouth and Portland twice and the mayor of Portland three times. He’s served in numerous organisations.

“I just want it to be a wonderful experience for him.”

After being presented the certificate, Mr Ames said: “I’m a little overcome today to see this. I don’t know what to say.

“It’s with some humility, if not a little pride, that I accept this really wonderful award.”

Mr Ames said retirement had left a gap in his life which he didn’t know how to fill.

He added: “I thank you all most sincerely. That’s all I can say.”

Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset, said: “I think the huge cross-section of people here says it all. You are loved on the island.

“The best bit of advice I had was to go and see Les Ames on Portland because he will tell you what this island is all about.”

The Lord Lieutenant, Angus Campbell, said: “This is clearly entirely the right thing to do because you have done so much for Portland.

“I just can’t think of anything that’s more appropriate.”

Cllr Sandy West, who represents Underhill for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said Les was a ‘man of the people’.

She said: “I’ve known Les well over 20 years and when I first started on Portland Town Council he was so good and so helpful.

“All his life he’s been dedicated to his community. He’s a gentleman.”