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Longest serving councillor awarded Freedom of city of Lancaster

Councillor Abbott Bryning

A "true gentleman" who has served as a Lancaster councillor for 56 years has been officially awarded the Freedom of the city.

Abbott Bryning, who will step down before this year's local elections in May, was unanimously bestowed with the honour at a Lancaster City Council meeting on Wednesday.

Councillor Bryning, 91, was a councillor for Bulk ward for 40 years and then for Skerton East for 16 years, after first being elected in 1967.

'The Father of the council' was re-elected in 15 successive elections and was twice mayor of Lancaster.

During his working life Councillor Bryning was a former head of business studies at Lancaster and Morecambe College.

The award was officially proposed by his Labour colleague Councillor Jason Wood, and seconded by Conservative councillor Peter Yates.

Councillor Yates, speaking at the meeting on Wednesday, said it had been "an incredible life of giving and service".

"Abbott was so kind to me when I first joined (the council)," said Councillor Yates.

"I can think of no-one more worthy, a true gentleman and a Lancastrian through and through."

The award will be formally presented to Councillor Bryning at the full council meeting on May 19.

Related Story: 'Father' of Lancaster City Council will not stand for election after 56 years of service - Beyond Radio

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