Freedom of the borough honour for Burnley's England cricket ace Jimmy Anderson (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Freedom of the borough honour for Burnley's England cricket ace Jimmy Anderson

9:09am Friday 9th December 2011 in Cricket By Neil Docking, Reporter

ENGLAND cricket star James Anderson became the youngest person to be granted the freedom of Burnley in a special civic ceremony yesterday.

The home town hero, 29, was given the highest honour Burnley Council can bestow in recognition of his outstanding services to cricket.

The council said his achievements in becoming one of the world’s best bowlers had made him an inspirational role model for young people.

The former St Theodore’s student, who began his ascent to fame playing for Burnley in the Lancashire League, said: “It’s a real honour and a privilege to be awarded this, not only for myself, but for my family who are here today.

"I will strive to be the best ambassador I possibly can be to the game of cricket and also to the borough of Burnley.”

The Mayor of Burnley, Coun David Heginbotham, who conducted the ceremony said: “He is a fantastic ambassador for the borough, Burnley born and bred and he promotes the town wherever he goes around the world.”

Council leader Coun Charlie Briggs and senior Labour councillor Andy Tatchell nomin-ated James for the award.

James’ family and friends were in the council chamber to watch him become a Freeman – the latest in a long line of success for the sportsman.

During England’s last Ashes tour of Australia he took 24 wickets in the 3-1 series victory and was recognised as one of England’s best performers of the tour.

His Test debut was against Zimbabwe at Lord’s in 2003.

James still plays for Lancashire, appearing several times each season for his home county.

He is the 23rd recipient of the Freedom of Burnley, and follows another local sporting hero, Clarets legend Jimmy McIlroy, who was handed the honour in 2009.