AT the Michaelmas Assize of Altrincham Court Leet, held at Altrincham Town Hall on Saturday, MP Graham Brady, MP and businesswoman Carole Nash were created Freemen of the Borough of Altrincham.

A new Provost was appointed at the ceremony at Altrincham Town Hall. He is Burgess Alan Laver, who takes over from Alderman Mark Rae.

Between 1489 and 1972, the Provost would have been called the Mayor of Altrincham. The title only changed in deference to the Mayor of Trafford.

Altrincham and Sale West MP Graham Brady, who received his honour for services to the community of Altrincham and district, and especially for education, said: “It’s a great honour to be made a Freeman of the Borough of Altrincham and a particular pleasure to be recognised for my support for education.

“I am delighted that the new Government under Theresa May is looking again at the contribution selective education can make.

“We know that the best grammar schools and high schools provide great opportunities for everyone and it is absurd that the law prevents other communities from having state education as good as Trafford’s.”

Carole Nash, OBE, a deputy Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, was awarded this honour, not for her vintage motor bike insurance business from which she has retired, but for being a worthy citizen and for entrepreneurship.

She said: “I feel honoured that my work has been recognised by the Court Leet.”

She has had three rooms named after her. She funded an interview room at the Royal Northern College of Music, a rehearsal room at Chetham’s School of Music and an art room for underprivileged children at the Lowry.

She also supports Maggie’s, a charity which assists cancer sufferers and their families.

The new chaplain is the Rev'd Danny Crosby.

The assize was saddened by the recent death of Burgess Bryan Massey, the Baron Steward.