Former Kingston Conservative leader Howard Jones has been awarded Honorary Alderman status posthumously.

The former St James ward Councillor who died last year, had led the Conservative administration to victory in the elections just months before.

An illuminated scroll was picked up by his widow Judith Jones at Kingston Council’s full council meeting on Tuesday evening.

Mayor Ken Smith also announced the introduction of the Howard Jones Award which will be presented annually to a police officer who has gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Mr Jones, was a former Scotland Yard detective, who had lived in the borough for more than 40 years.

He was first elected council in 2002, serving as leader of the Conservative group from 2006 to 2014.

Accepting the honour, Mrs Jones said: "He was cock-a-hoop to be elected to office and fulfilled his obligations with integrity and duty and he was repaid with respect and trust.

"I feel immense pride to accept the scroll on his behalf today."