A prominent former Nottinghamshire county councillor from Mansfield Woodhouse is to be given a special honorary position in recognition of her services to the authority.

Ex-Labour deputy leader Joyce Bosnjak will receive the rarely bestowed Honorary Alderman title — the council has previously only appointed six Honorary Aldermen since 1974.

She said she was absolutely delighted, adding: “I served my communities for 28 years and am very proud of the work I did for the council, particularly in shaping the way we supported children and young people, and encouraging young people to use their voices to affect positive change where they live.

“Improving the health and wellbeing of our communities and addressing community safety were also areas I was proud to be heavily involved with.

“I miss council life and being involved in important decisions that impacted on the lives of people in Nottinghamshire. I want to use this role to encourage as many people as possible to get more involved in the local community.”

Joyce was first elected to the county council in 1993 and initially represented Ravensdale and Sherwood in Mansfield until 2005 and then Mansfield North, before she stood down at this year’s elections.

During her time as a county councillor, she was passionate about improving the lives of people in Mansfield Woodhouse and was involved in many community groups and initiatives in the town and the wider area.

Joyce was a key member of the Labour cabinet and among the posts she held at County Hall were cabinet member for Children’s Services and chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board.

She was opposition spokesperson on the Adult Social Care and Health and Policy committees, while she was also deputy leader of the council and, in opposition, deputy group leader between 2013 and 2017 — becoming one of the most high-profile female Labour politicians in local government.

Devoted Joyce continues to play an active role in the local community and is a keen advocate for voluntary and community groups in the Mansfield area.

Former Conservative leader Kay Cutts is also to receive the Honorary Alderman title.

County council leader Ben Bradley MP said both Kay and Joyce were the perfect choices to receive the prestigious award.

He said: “Kay and Joyce are both deserving of this special award.

“They gave great service to this council and the people of Nottinghamshire, spanning many years in public office.

“They carried out their roles as county councillors with great distinction and both set an example we should all strive to follow as elected members.

“I would like to congratulate Kay and Joyce on being nominated for the Honorary Alderman award and it is only right their many years of service will be recognised and celebrated.”