Internationally-known film maker and Oscar nominee Gareth Edwards was one of 12 people honoured by his home borough of Nuneaton and Bedworth.
Gareth, who lived in Nuneaton and attended North Warwickshire and Hinckley College, was made Freeman of the Borough as a result of his successful career in media.
Director of the film Rogue One, part of the Star Wars franchise, his latest movie The Creator has been nominated for a string of awards including an Oscar for best visual effects.
Four former councillors were nominated to be Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen, while Gareth was one of eight people awarded Freedom of the Borough.
The former councillors are Bob Hicks, Geoff Ashford, Sonja Wilson and Sheila Hancox.
The award of Honorary Alderman and Alderwoman is given to individuals that are, in the opinion of the councillors, people who have made a significant contribution to the well-being of the citizens of the Borough and have upheld the ideals of the Council.
The Freemen and Freewomen include family butcher Frank Parker, whose legendary family business has fed the Borough’s residents for generations, and whose name is also well known as a generous sponsor of local amateur football over many years.
Abeda Vorajee MBE was made a Freewoman for her services to the Borough as a longstanding contributor to education as a teacher and governor, forming and chairing the Nuneaton Muslim Women's Group, chairing the Local Ethnic Minority Advisory Council, and Trustee of Warwickshire Race Equality Partnership.
For his services to the Borough of Nuneaton and Bedworth as the Town Crier, successfully representing the Borough in British and National competitions, and a Former Commonwealth Champion, Paul Gough was presented with the Freeman award.
For her services to Nuneaton and Bedworth in her involvement with the Bedworth Poppy Appeal for over 20 years, Carol Valentine, Trustee of the Lee Rigby Foundation, and an active member of the Bedworth Armistice Parade Group, where she supports veterans, bereaved families, and children, also received the Freewoman award.
Being awarded an Honorary Freeman or Freewoman is the highest award a council can give to a citizen of the Borough.
It is given to an individual who has given exceptional service to the Borough and its communities over a long period of time or someone who has brought renown and great kudos to the Borough.
Attending the awards ceremony, Cllr Kris Wilson, Leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, said:
“Through these awards we aim to continue to restore civic pride in the Borough.
“It is an honour to provide these distinctive individuals this reward for their efforts for their dedication and unwavering service to Nuneaton and Bedworth.”
View further details about the awards and award winners.