THE new provost of Altrincham, Burgess Peter Garde, was appointed by the Deputy Baron’s Steward, Alderman Mark Rae.

The previous Provost, Burgess Alan Laver, was promoted to Alderman.

The ceremony took place at the Michaelmas Assize of the Altrincham Court Leet at Altrincham Town Hall on Saturday, September 30.

It is the first such ceremony following the re-creation of the Freemen of the Ancient Borough of Altrincham in July.

At the same function three people, Sue Aldridge, Nigel Green and the Reverend Danny Crosby became Freemen.

Sue Aldridge, from Bowdon, has served as the chief executive of Altrincham and Sale Chamber of Commerce for the past three years. The post is a voluntary one.

Five years ago Sue started a business academy to advise new businesses.

“I am delighted to receive this honour,” she said.

Since Nigel Green retired as chief executive of PZ Cussons, his charity, Make it Happen in Sierra Leone, has helped 20,000 African schoolchildren.

He said: “We have built or rebuilt schools and, along with another charity, we have worked to improve the quality of teaching there.”

He has also written two books featuring Richard III – the King’s Dogge and The Last Rebel.

On becoming a Freeman, Nigel, also from Bowdon, said: “This is a great and unexpected honour.”

The Reverend Danny Crosby, Minister of Dunham Road Unitarian Chapel for seven years, was equally delighted.

In 2016 he was made Slimming World’s Man of the Year and has been invited to Parliament to speak on health issues. Fourteen years ago he was an alcoholic and, since then, has spent time helping sufferers of alcohol and substance abuse.

The Mayor of Trafford, Councillor Jonathan Coupe was present at the ceremony.