Bexley's council leader has become the first sitting councillor in the borough's history to be awarded an OBE.

Coun Teresa O'Neill received her award from Prince Charles last Thursday (November 19) - after being named in the Queen's Birthday Honours list, for services to the community and local government in London.

Coun O'Neill said: "I feel very proud to have been recognised in this way and to have shared what was a very special day with some of the close family, friends and colleagues whose help and support is so important to me.

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"Bexley is a wonderful place to live and I consider it a privilege to represents its residents on the council and in my work across London."

Coun O'Neill is vice chair and conservative group leader on London Councils, an unpaid advisor to the Mayor of London, and a member of several London advisory boards.

News Shopper: Leader of Bexley Council Cllr Teresa O'Neill worked with John McNair for more than 10 years

She also served on the London Finance Commission and Health Commission.

She has lived in Bexley for 18 years - and been a councillor since 1998. Bexley became a London borough 50 years ago.