Two women have become the first ever recipients of a ‘freedom of the parish’ award for service to their village.

Rosemary Leeder and Val Hart were given the award, after having both served as members of the parish council for more than 20 years.

Chris Armstrong, chairman of he parish council, said: "Mrs Val Hart was the chair of the parish council for many years.

"Mrs Rosemary Leeder was a councillor and is still a mainstay of the village hall committee. Both women are assertive, strong and respected members of the village.

"Although they knew that the reception was going to recognise their long service they did not know that they were going to receive the freedom of the parish.

"This honour had never been given to anyone the village before so was an exceptional event."

Certificates presented to Mrs Hart and Mrs Leeder praised their "unwavering service".