A COMMUNITY stalwart has been nominated to receive the Freedom of the Borough of Hyndburn.

Geoffrey Hanson has been chosen to get the award by councillors for his 50-year commitment to the Great Harwood Show, which marks its 150th anniversary in May.

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During his time with the show Mr Hanson, 90, served as chairman and president of the organising committee.

He is also well-known for the family business Hanson Trucks, which took sheep and cattle to market, and the partner firm Hanson Feeds, which trades in animal feed.

Mr Hanson said: “I can’t really get my head around it. I don’t feel like I’ve done anything more than anyone else.

“I have always enjoyed being part of the Great Harwood Show because it’s a fantastic event that continues to go from strength to strength.

“I feel very honoured to get the nomination from both political parties. I did not expect it.

“I am very excited to be taking my nephew Michael to the royal garden party in June for a celebration.”

Hanson Trucks went out of business around 20 years ago but Hanson Feeds continues to trade at Victoria Mill in Great Harwood.

Mr Hanson was chairman of the Hyndburn Conservatives for around four years.

He was also part of the Clitheroe Conservative Division for many years before Great Harwood became part of Hyndburn.

He served in the Royal Air Force from 1947 to 1949 as Clerk General Duties and was mainly stationed in Egypt.

His duties involved servicing of all the air carriers and the running of the flying bus service around the Mediterranean.

Cllr Tony Dobson, one of the Hyndburn councillors who nominated Mr Hanson, said: “Geoffrey has made a huge contribution to Great Harwood.

“I think he fully deserves this award.

“He’s still involved with the Great Harwood Show and he’s just one of those people who, even though he’s 90, is still out and about.

“He’s still there a shoulder for someone who might need help.

“I think everyone felt it was only right for him to receive this accolade.”

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council, said: “Geoffrey has been dedicated to the Great Harwood Show through thick and thin.

“He is a long-serving individual to the borough and community stalwart.”