Borough to offer honorary freedom

The award is recognition of the significant contribution made by the individuals concerned across all walks of life in Calderdale.

A meeting of the council next Wednesday is set to approve the list of 10 nominees including former Calder Valley MP Chris McCafferty Tarlo and former council leader John Ford.

Calderdale's deputy mayor, Councillor Keith Watson, said: "The council decided to honour up to 10 nominees in the year 2010 with the highest honour it could bestow.

Granting them the freedom of the borough is true recognition that they have worked hard over many years to improve the lives of local people and put Calderdale formerly on the map.

''This is only the second time since Calderdale Council came into being in 1974 that it has bestowed the freedom of the borough on any of its citizens.

"The first was in the year 2000 when 20 freedoms were granted to mark the start of the new century".

An award presentation ceremony will take place next year.