Freedom of Preston for Flintoff

Andrew Flintoff has been honoured by his home city of Preston © Getty Images

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has been awarded the freedom of his home city of Preston.

The 27-year-old was voted man of the match following England’s win against Australia in the fourth npower Ashes Test at Trent Bridge.

The father-of-one, nicknamed Freddie by team-mates, was made an honorary freeman with the unanimous backing of city councillors at a meeting on Thursday.

Flintoff, who also plays for Lancashire, grew up in Launderdale Road, Ribbleton and was a pupil at Greenlands Primary School and later the City of Preston High School.

He is the first person to be awarded the honour this century and he follows in the footsteps of footballer Sir Tom Finney and animator Nick Park, who were among only 22 people given the title during the last century.

© Getty Images

He will now be invited to a formal ceremony at the Town Hall where he will be presented with a handcrafted scroll and granted the freedom of the city by Mayor Bhikhu Patel.

Councillor Patel said: “Andrew Flintoff may be an international cricket superstar these days, but he is Preston born and bred, and has always remained proud of his roots.

“He is a great role model and epitomises everything we want to portray Preston as - young, vibrant, enthusiastic and going places.

“He’s been amazing in the Ashes and it seems only fitting that his efforts should be recognised in this way, by joining the likes of Sir Tom Finney in becoming a freeman of the city.”