THE decades of service Marlborough resident Tony Gray gave to the town was recognised at Monday's Mayor Making ceremony with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

More than 100 people crowded into the town hall to see the former town mayor, councillor and chairman of Kennet District Council presented with an engraved crystal bowl.

Some of the 78-year-old's achievements included raising thousands of pounds for local causes, negotiating a lease of Cooper’s Meadow to the town rather than a sale to developers as well as being the driving force behind the purchase of the Merchant's House and setting up of its Trust.

Mr Gray, who joined the council in 1966 and left in 1995, said: "This is quite a surprise and quite the honour to be recognised by the town. It hardly seems like it was 51 years ago that I began my time as a councillor. Where it has all gone I do not know.

"I started here at the age of 27 and I was told to go away and learn more things but I say to our new young councillors joining this year, make sure you express your opinion. Find out about things before getting fobbed off.

"I got a lot of satisfaction during my time serving the town. We can still see the traditions that have gone on for 800 years and I hope it can go on for another 800. Thank you all."

A largely unknown achievement by Mr Gray was his crucial role in persuading Lord Brooke to move an amendment in the House of Lords in the 1970's enabling former Borough and City Councils to retain the office of Mayor without which this historic tradition may not have continued.

Councillor Noel Barrett-Morton said: "I feel honoured to have been able to present this award to Tony who has given so much and so generously to Marlborough and has had such an important impact on the running and administration of the town and Wiltshire. Many of his achievements are largely unknown and it’s right that we have had a chance to acknowledge him and them properly by presenting him with this award."

Mr Gray, who was also given the key to Marlborough, Massachusetts, and made an honorary police chief there in 1990, was also the owner of Ducks Toy Shop, a family run business in the High Street for many years.