Rachael Heyhoe Flint given Freedom of Wolverhampton

Wolves vice-president Rachael Heyhoe Flint is to be given the Freedom of the City after councillors unanimously approved the honour.

The former England women's cricket captain is receiving the accolade for her services to the sport and to Wolverhampton.

Tory leader Councillor Neville Patten recommended the award in recognition of her "eminent services to Wolverhampton and to sport and public relations".

The 71-year-old mother-of-four will follow in the illustrious footsteps of famous faces including Wolves' current president and former owner Sir Jack Hayward.

All the councillors present at the meeting of Wolverhampton City Council last night voted in favour.

The award will be officially conferred at a ceremony with mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett.

The last person to receive the honour was former world champion cyclist Hugh Porter, who lives in Tettenhall.