The former leader of a council in Kent has received royal recognition in the New Year's Honours list.

Cllr Rory Love, from Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC), has been handed an OBE by the Queen.

He has received the accolade for his public and political service in his role as chairman of the Conservative Councillors' Association.

Cllr Love is also FHDC cabinet member for customers, communications, and digital delivery, and one of their longest serving councillors having represented the Sandgate and West Folkestone ward since 1987.

He is the authority's first serving member to receive an honour.

Between 1999 and 2003, he served as leader of the council, when he devised and led the 'Rail for Folkestone' campaign to secure high-speed domestic rail for the town.

During his term, he also heralded the start of Folkestone’s regeneration - opening new business parks and the Hawkinge by-pass, launched regeneration projects in the creative sector, and opened the Folkestone Coastal Park on the Leas.

In addition, he co-founded BOSCO, a cross-border partnership between Folkestone and Boulogne for economic and cultural regeneration.

He has also sat on Kent County Council (KCC), representing Cheriton, Sandgate, and Hythe East since 2017.

Cllr Love said: "This is a huge honour, and an unexpected one.

"Most personal achievements in life are as a result of teamwork. I’ve been very fortunate to work with some outstanding teams of people in my public and political roles.

"This includes exceptionally talented officers and visionary councillors at Folkestone and Hythe District Council, as well as a small, but very gifted staff team at the Conservative Councillors’ Association of which I’m chairman.

"But I shall never forget that it is the residents of Sandgate and West Folkestone ward who have given me the opportunity to serve them, and that is a privilege not to be taken lightly by anyone in public service."

Cllr David Monk, current leader of FHDC passed on his congratulations: "I’d like to extend my whole-hearted congratulations on this well-deserved Honour.

"Cllr Love has been a stalwart of local government in the district of Folkestone and Hythe for many years.

"His passion and dedication to the residents of the district he has represented has made a true, tangible impact on their lives."