Two former mayors of Southampton have been recognised for their long service as councillors.

Cathie McEwing and Ivan White were made Honorary Aldermen at a special Southampton City Council meeting.

Ms McEwing first became a councillor in 1995 and completed more than 20 years as an elected representative before deciding against seeking re-election this month.

Mr White represented Bitterne Park from 2004 until last year, with much of his focus during this time going into adult social care.

Current councillors paid tribute to the pair before they were backed unanimously to receive their new titles at the Civic Centre meeting.

Cllr Sally Goodfellow described former ward colleague Ms McEwing as “caring, compassionate, thoughtful, kind, thinks of others less fortunate, spirited and the love she has for her family”.

Fellow Labour councillor Jacqui Rayment said: “The city love you and will miss your input, especially in Redbridge, but being an alderman comes with special privilege and we look forward to hearing those wise Scottish tones when you feel you’ve got something to say and let’s be honest she’s always got something to say.”

Ms McEwing said: “It has been a privilege to serve this city that I have called home since a young bride of 18 when I moved here in ’73 and I have raised my kids here.”

Conservative councillor Alex Houghton, who proposed Mr White, said: “Ivan was always passionate that everyone in the city should live full and interesting lives. I’m sure this will always be where his heart and passion is.”

Mr White was following in his mother’s footsteps as she also was a former mayor of Southampton and an Honorary Alderman.

He highlighted the importance of the Nolan Principles – the established standards those in public life should follow.

Mr White told the extraordinary council meeting: “I really don’t have much to say but what I would say is please all councillors, we are put in this chamber to represent the people of our wards, not to necessarily follow the dogma of our parties be that whatever colour it is.

“I ask that you think about that when you vote on things or propose things. It is the people that we support and we represent and I ask you to do that, and don’t forget the Nolan principles.”

The Local Government Act 1972 allows councils to confer the title of honorary aldermen on people who have, in the opinion of the local authority, rendered eminent services to the council as past members of that council.

Nominations must have served at least eight years as a councillor and given outstanding service over and above a councillor’s normal duties.