A former councillor who brought the "S" bus service to Sutton was given a ceremonial title by the council.

Ruth Mary Shaw was made an honorary alderman at a special meeting of the council on Monday night.

It was the first time since 1979 the honour has been granted in Sutton, and she was only the fourth person to ever receive the honour in the borough.

The title ‘alderman’ dates from the Anglo-Saxon era when an ‘alderman’ - a noble by birth - on a person whose service to the council is considered outstanding.

Mrs Shaw, who has been involved in Sutton politics for more than 60 years, first served as a councillor in 1973.

She had a passion for environmental and planning issues, and first introduced the "S" bus services to make hard-to-reach areas more accessible.