Honorary Freemen of the Borough

The award of Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour that the council can bestow on persons of distinction and persons who, in the opinion of the ouncil, have  rendered eminent services to the borough.

It is a power that is very rarely used. In the history of Trafford Council, only three times has the accolade been awarded.

The award of the Honorary Freedom of the Borough does not convey with it any legal rights or responsibilities other than a ceremonial role at civic functions. The award dates back to the Middle Ages, when Freemen had commercial privileges and a route into a position of power in a town or city.

Sir Alex Ferguson CBE

Awarded on 14 October 2013, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in sport and his exceptional contribution to the profile of Trafford through his remarkable career as manager of Manchester United Football Club.

In addition to the honour of Freedom of the Borough, Waters Reach, a road close to the Old Trafford Stadium, was renamed 'Sir Alex Ferguson Way'.

Managing Manchester United from 1986 to 2013, Ferguson led the club to 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles and two European Cups. In 1999, Sir Alex was knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to the game.

207 Field Hospital

Awarded on 21 June 2011 in honour of the outstanding medical support provided by the hospital to service personnel and local populations where they have been deployed.

The Field Hospital was founded in 1885 and has provided more than a century of life-saving voluntary service in conflicts around the globe. The award was granted after a tour of duty manning the field hospital at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.

Colin Warbrick CBE

Awarded 18 May 1999, to a Founding Father of the Borough of Trafford.

Colin led the team that brought the borough council into existence in the 1970s, merging the separate councils of Stretford, Sale, Altrincham, Urmston, Hale and Bowdon.

He served as the first mayor from 1974–75 and acted as leader of the Council for three separate periods.