If Peter Wilks had any sheep he would now be allowed to graze them on Iwade village green.

That’s the 'perk’ of becoming an honorary freeman of the parish of Iwade – the first such honour conferred by the village.

It was given to 86-year-old Mr Wilks for his service to the village during his years as a parish councillor, and was made at last week’s annual parish meeting.

Mr Wilks joined Iwade Parish Council in 1996 after serving four years as a Swale borough councillor, representing Iwade, Lower Halstow and Bobbing. He was made an honorary alderman of Swale council after retiring in 1988.

Also a former Queenborough councillor, Mr Wilks stepped down from Iwade parish council last year.

During his years on the parish council, which included being chairman from 2000-8, Mr Wilks was heavily involved in planning issues and was instrumental in seeing off the threat of a proposed incinerator at Ridham Docks.

Born in south Wales, Mr Wilks served in the Merchant Navy for 16 years before moving to Sheppey to work as a Trinity House river pilot – a job he held for 34 years.

He later moved to Coleshall Farmhouse, Iwade, where he and his family – wife Mary and two children – lived for 31 years.

Now a grandfather and living in Rodmersham, Mr Wilks said: “I have enjoyed it. It has been very interesting and I have been happy to help the people of Iwade. I hope I have been useful.”

He said the title of honorary freeman had come as a surprise. “You could say 'chuffed’ is the right word!”

Mr Wilks was presented with a framed scroll by Iwade parish councillor John White.

To remind Mr Wilks of his work in Iwade, the scroll contained a tiny print of his 'old friend’ the great crested newt, which is found in abundance in Iwade and has had an impact on proposed developments.