Sir Patrick Stewart and Simon Armitage to be given Freedom of Kirklees

Actor Sir Patrick Stewart is among three people who are set to receive the Freedom of the Borough of Kirklees.

The Star Trek and X-Men actor, who was born in Mirfield, will be given the honour alongside Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and volunteer Joan Gorton.

Councillors will meet on 20 March to formally approve the civic honours, which will mark 50 years since Kirklees Council was founded in 1974.

Council leader Cathy Scott said all had "achieved something outstanding".

Mrs Gorton, from Dalton in West Yorkshire, founded local charity Epilepsy Action Huddersfield alongside her late husband.

Mrs Scott said: "She has worked tirelessly for more than 50 years, raising money for the charity and campaigning for better resources and healthcare for those with the condition and their families.

"The achievements of Simon Armitage CBE and Sir Patrick Stewart are well documented, both nationally and internationally, and both talk proudly about their Yorkshire roots.

"I am delighted we are able to put forward these people for their achievements and the contribution they have made in shining a spotlight on our great borough."

Poet Armitage hails from Marsden near Huddersfield.

The Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Cahal Burke, said: "The granting of the freedom of the borough only happens on rare occasions and it honours figures who have made a significant contribution to life in the communities or achieved something outstanding.

"These individuals have done just that, and I am proud that we are considering bestowing the highest civic honour on them."

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