FORMER councillor Michael Everingham was described as a “tireless campaigner” for Bournemouth as the borough made him an Honorary Alderman.

Mr Everingham, who served the authority for 20 years until 2011, was given the prestigious title at a special full council meeting in June.

He was elected to the Boscombe East ward in 1991 and went on to sit on numerous committees during his time in office.

Cllr Anne Rey, who was elected in the same year as Mr Everingham, paid tribute to him as she moved for the honour to be bestowed.

"He never suffered fools easily and would always speak his mind, and stand up for what he believed was fair and right," she said.

"I served with Mike on the leisure and tourism committee, and well remember our campaign with others to try and save the Winter Gardens concert hall, standing in The Square for many hours, collecting signatures in all weathers.

"We both attended the very last concert of the Winter Gardens given by the BSO and several of us stayed in our seats until we had to leave."

Cllr Rey, who worked with Mr Everingham in the Independent group during his last term, also recounted his interest in the environment, his place on the Dorset Fire Authority board as well as his 12 years as vice chairman of the Planning Board and 10 years as vice chairman of the Licensing Sub-Committee.

Seconding the motion, former mayor Cllr Phil Stanley-Watts, who represents Boscombe West, said: "Mike was a tireless campaigner on many subjects, including the Winter Gardens and a lot of green issues.

"He also campaigned for a lasting memorial for the victims of the Metropole Hotel air raid – Bournemouth’s worst during the Second World War, May 23, 1943.

"I was honoured to unveil the war memorial at the Lansdowne. It was one of my last duties as mayor.

"It was a privilege to talk to Mike and the survivors of those old armed forces' veterans who were still around about their war experiences, and about the Metropole Hotel air raid and the terrible consequences on human life."