This is the view of lifelong Conservative Ernest Halford, who believes former Labour councillor Agnes Leddy should be rewarded for her devotion to helping the people in her ward over more than 40 years.

Warwick town council is considering bringing back the status of honorary freeman, last awarded to former county cricketer, Warwick School governor and alderman of the town Guy Nelson, and last week the Courier asked for readers' suggestions.

Mr Halford, of Foxes Way, recalls how even Coun Leddy's political opponents would defer to her experience and judgement when they came across a thorny problem.

He said: "If there is anyone who deserves to be a freeman of Warwick it is Agnes Leddy.

"She would help anyone, at any time. If I wanted to know anything about anything she answered it.

"I never heard a bad word about her.

"Even the most fanatical Conservative would have to admit she always did her best for everyone."

Mrs Leddy was first elected a town councillor in 1964 and had served as mayor three times.

She had also served as a district councillor and was involved in numerous charities and town organisations.

Mr Halford took it as a sign of how Labour's fortunes had declined when Mrs Leddy lost her seat in the May 2007 elections.

Warwick town council recognised her decades of service this year when it presented her with an inscribed rose bowl.

* Readers with suggestions for candidates should call the newsroom on 457737 or email news@leamingtoncourier.co.uk with their reasons.