THE chairman of an East Lancashire football club that came back from the dead has been made an Honorary Freeman of its borough.

Successful businessman and boss of Accrington Stanley Andy Holt was granted the title by Hyndburn's annual council on Thursday night.

Scouting leader Sarah Barton was also made and Honorary Freeman of the borough.

Mr Holt said: "I am really pleased as sometimes running a football club can be a thankless task.

"It's nice that this is appreciated.

"I am honoured the council has chosen to do this."

Ms Barton said: "" I am extremely honoured to have been chosen to be given the title of Honorary Freeman, especially as my heart and focus is in the voluntary and community sector.

"I am very humbled to be nominated to receive the award."

The citation for Mr Holt's appointment said: "Andy is a key figure within the Hyndburn business and sporting community.

"As a director of What More UK (trading as Wham) since 1999, Andy has been hugely successful.

"The internationally-renowned and multiple award-winning company, whose manufacturing base is in Altham, is a significant local employer.

"Andy’s keen interest in the local community and sport led Wham initially to sponsoring Accrington Stanley Football Club and then to Andy becoming a director and the majority shareholder of the club in October 2015.

"Since then Andy and his fellow directors have worked tirelessly to develop and progress the club.

"His no-nonsense approach has struck a chord with football fans country-wide and has helped to further raise the profile of Accrington Stanley FC and the borough."

Mrs Barton's citation reads: Sarah’s volunteering started at the young age of 14 as a young leader in Girlguiding helping her mother run her Brownie Unit.

"At the age of 18 she became a fully qualified Brownie Leader and has been one ever since.

"During this time she has acted as district commissioner two times, once in Accrington and once in Oswaldtwistle.

"She was a trustee for a few years at the Accrington and District Blind Society.

"Oswaldtwistle though, without a doubt, is Sarah’s passion.

"This is all in addition to, together with her husband Paul, running a local family independent business.

"Sarah’s efforts in numerous voluntary roles demonstrate that she has rendered eminent service to the Borough of Hyndburn."

.