FORMER Blackburn MP Jack Straw will be given the Freedom of the Borough by Blackburn with Darwen Council this week.

It is the highest ceremonial honour awarded by the council and Mr Straw is the first person since 1992 to receive the honour.

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It recognizes outstanding services of local people to their borough.

The ceremony will take place at Blackburn Town Hall tomorrow on Thursday before the full Council Forum meeting.

Council leader Cllr Mohammed Khan said: “Jack has been one of the most recognisable people in politics for many years and a positive and influential figure for Blackburn as an MP and this honour celebrates all fantastic work he has done for Blackburn for decades.

“He always supported the people of Blackburn and continues to be an excellent advocate for this town through his work with the Youth Zone and Blackburn College.

“So many of the positive projects and developments in Blackburn would not have happened had it not been for Jack.”

Cllr Mike Lee, leader of the Conservative Party at the council, said: “Jack was always able to put national politics to one side for the good of the town and its people.”