Former mayor 'truly honoured' by town award

A former Middlesbrough Mayor has been awarded one of the town's most prestigious honours.

Dave Budd, who was the town's elected mayor from 2015 to 2019, received the Freedom of the Borough at a ceremony in the town hall on Thursday.

In his acceptance speech, Budd said he was "truly honoured" and thanked his wife and family for keeping him sane, adding: "And sometimes they've succeeded."

He was nominated for his more than 30 years in public office and his work to develop the Tees Heritage Trail, the MIMA art gallery and for being a "champion of culture in the town".

Budd praised the teamwork he experienced from people across town throughout the years, saying: "This is a remarkable place."

"This town is full of people who care."

The former Labour mayor was nominated by councillors Luke Henman and Lewis Young, who said the people in the area were fortunate to have Dave Budd "serving the town in public life for decades".

"It is even more fortunate that he continues to do so in his retirement," the Labour councillors said, adding he had been a "champion of culture in the town".

The award is given to those who have made an "outstanding contribution to the life of the town and its people", the council said.

Previous recipients included England manager Gareth Southgate, artist Mackenzie Thorpe and Olympic swimmer Jack Hatfield.

Budd's nomination was supported by a number of local figures including Middlesbrough FC chairman Steve Gibson who said: "His selfless service and dedication to the town of Middlesbrough has been exemplary and the town is better because of him.

"Always a gentleman but with a bit of steel when needed."

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