A former Altona mayor was honoured last week by Manitoba municipal officials.

Melvin Klassen was presented with an honourary life membership for his work with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities.

Klassen explained he's always been interested in the work that AMM is trying to accomplish on behalf of municipalities across the province.

"They are an organization that deals with the provincial government and has the respect of government officials. Very often provincial leaders would talk to AMM prior to instituting a policy in an effort to determine how that policy would be accepted. They were well aware that AMM is the voice for the municipalities and that they do good work."

Klassen retired from municipal politics this year after serving on Altona town council for 20 years, 16 of those years as the mayor. During that time, he also served as a director with AMM for nine years.

The former school teacher and principal said he was humbled by the honour, because it's an award that other municipal officials from Altona have also received.

"I know former mayor Art Dyck and former councillor Rick Martel each received the honour, which I think speaks well for our area and the people who have stepped forward to take a leadership role."