Graham awarded honorary freedom of town

Retired PCSO, Graham Jennings has been conferred with the highest title that Newtown can award - honorary freeman of Newtown for his 'outstanding service'.

Town Councillors have tonight decided to award Graham Jennings the title of 'Honorary Freeman' in a special meeting.

The decision to award Mr Jennings with the title was proposed by The Mayor Cllr John Bryne seconded by Cllr Richard White in recognition of his outstanding service to the town of Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn.

The vote was unanimous, having surpassed the requirement of two-thirds of councillors to approve the decision.

Back in August, the creative group 'Newtown Knit and Natter' unveiled a new post box topper, which paid tribute to Mr Jennings as he was about to retire from the force after 19 years of service.

Mr Jennings was also nominated in Janaury 2023 for the Lifetime Achievement Award at a ceremony in London to celebrate 20 years since the creation of the PCSO role.

He served as a police officer for 12 years with South Wales Police; a custody detention officer in Newtown and became a PCSO in 2006. He was also awarded the divisional commander's commendation relating to a serious firearms incident and Chief Constables commendation for acting as a first responder to a death in Newtown.

Mr Jennings now joins Rory Evans and David Pugh who were both awarded with the same title. Only 12 living persons an hold the title.