The former chief executive of Croydon Council was honoured at a council meeting this week when he was awarded the freedom of the borough.

David Wechsler became the 40th Freeman of Croydon at a ceremony in the Town Hall on Monday.

Mr Wechsler retired in July after serving the council in various appointments for 37 years.

He was appointed chief executive in 1993, having already spent 23 years with the council before his ultimate promotion.

Council leader Councillor Mike Fisher said: "The freedom will be a fitting tribute to one of the borough's most influential figures in modern times and demonstrates the esteem in which David is held not just within the whole council, but the town itself and also local Government.

His contribution to public service in Croydon is unparalleled. The Freedom of the borough is richly deserved."

Mr Wechsler said: "The prospect of this rare honour is something which makes me feel both humble and proud. My motivation in public service has been to play a part in making Croydon a better place and to safeguard the traditional values of a democratically elected institution. It has been a job with an acute sense of purpose and the rewards in terms of satisfaction have been considerable."