A MEMORIAL has been unveiled in honour of all of the borough's former mayors who have since died.

Mayor Anne Millward and alderman Melvyn Mottram have officially unveiled a commemorative stone bearing the names of all 26 ex-mayors to have passed away since Dudley became a borough in 1974.

It now sits in the mayoral memorial courtyard at the back of Dudley Council House, Priory Road, Dudley.

Cllr Millward said: "Being mayor is a hugely privileged position and provides so many opportunities to meet some incredible people working in thriving communities.

"I hope this tribute goes some way towards highlighting that work and gives staff and elected members somewhere to reflect on how fortunate we all are to live and work here."

Alderman Melvyn Mottram, who has worked for the last two years to fund the memorial, added: "We have had some outstanding mayors who have dedicated their lives to public service, but sadly some are no longer with us.

"The work they did and the people they were should be remembered by everyone and this commemorative stone does exactly that."