A former Reading mayor and councillor with more than 50 years of service under his belt has been named a 'lifetime legend'.

Tony Page retired from public life earlier this year after 51 years as a Reading Borough Councillor and served as Mayor for the 2023/24.

He has now been named as 'Lifetime Legend' at the 2024 Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and CCLA Councillor Awards the only national ceremony to celebrate the work councillors across the country.

Winners were announced at a ceremony at London’s Guildhall, showcasing the best of local government.

The judging panel noted Mr Page's meticulous attention to serving residents alongside his impressive leadership in transport and planning at local, regional and national levels.

He was instrumental in creating the busiest council-owned bus service outside London - Reading Buses- and had 'an indefatigable drive to shape the infrastructure that would deliver a vibrant economic future for Reading'.

Award winners were chosen by a judging panel comprised of senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector.

Congratulating them, Jonathan Carr-West, the chief executive of the LGIU said: “Councillors across England do incredible work day in and day out to support their communities, make local areas better places to live, and ensure the voices of residents are heard across council decision making.

“At LGIU, we are determined to celebrate these remarkable achievements, which genuinely improve residents’ lives and the well-being of our communities. I want to congratulate all of our very worthy Cllr Awards winners this evening. Their dedication and service represent the very best of local government.”

Kelly Watson, head of public sector relationships at CCLA added: “Local councillors are at the heart of communities and nights like this are an opportunity to showcase the contributions and real world impact made by these unsung heroes striving for a better world.

“The work undertaken by councillors positively impacts people’s lives in countless ways.

“ As councils are facing unprecedented challenging times, these Awards remind us of how important and vital the work of local councillors and councils is.”

While Mr Page retired earlier this year, he remains an active public figure.

He asked a question about the balance of power on council committees at a full council meeting on October 15.

After that, he was present at a sneak peek around Reading Gaol, with Channing Bi the owner, and representatives of the Ziran Education Foundation on October 25.

Most recently, he asked for an update on the £1.3 million Bath Road and Castle Hill Active Travel Scheme.

Mr Page's term as Mayor saw him open Green Park and Reading West train stations, the Rivermead Leisure Centre, key worker housing at the former Arthur Hill Pool and make visits to Reading's 'twin city' of Dusseldorf, Germany.