THREE-time Wimborne mayor and community stalwart Diann March has been honoured with the Freedom of the town.

Diann, who moved to Dorset in 1976, was elected as a Wimborne Minster Town Councillor in 1991 and has served the area consistently for more than three decades.

As well her efforts with the council, she has been involved in countless town groups and initiatives, including Wimborne Musical Theatre and the Wimborne/Ochsenfurt and Wimborne/Valognes Twinning Associations.

She has also volunteered at Green Cottage Riding for the Disabled, the Wimborne Repair Cafe and the Allendale Community Centre.

Now, she has been handed the Freedom of Wimborne Minster – a rare honour.

A council spokesperson said the authority was “delighted” to hand Diann the title of Honorary Freeman of Wimborne Minster.

“This Prestigious accolade is one of the highest honours the town can bestow upon an individual, recognising Mrs March’s outstanding contributions to the town council and its wider community,” they added.

Current Wimborne mayor, Cllr Jeff Hart, presented Diann with a scroll and Freeman’s badge during the Full Council meeting on Tuesday, July 30.

In her acceptance Mrs March expressed her gratitude to the town council for the honour.

“With this recognition, Mrs March joins a distinguished group of individuals who have been celebrated for their services to Wimborne Minster,” the spokesperson added.