TWO Altrincham residents have received the town's highest honour - the freedom of the borough.

Former council leader Matt Colledge and travel agent Ken Garrity were granted the recognition by Altrincham Court Leet on Saturday, January 21.

The ceremony was held at the Hilary assize held at Altrincham Town Hall.

When Alderman Denise Laver, the immediate past Provost of Altrincham Court Leet, in her current role as Market Looker, stated that footfall in Altrincham had increased by 30 per cent, Mr Colledge was particularly pleased.

He felt it rewarded the work he had done as leader of the council between 2009 and 2014.

He said: “It is the regeneration I would like to be recognised for.

“It seemed a huge challenge when I first became leader but I was determined, starting with the market, to begin the turn around of our town.

“Once the market project had succeeded, the next task was to see other businesses created around it.”

Mr Colledge helped to create Altrincham Forward which has also contributed to the town’s regeneration.

“It is an absolute honour to become a Freeman of the Borough of Altrincham,” he said.

Fellow new Freeman Mr Garrity, 65, is well known for heading Carlton Travel for many years and he now helps travellers from his home.

He said: “I visit places myself which I recommend to my clients. I have just returned from a fly/drive holiday in New Zealand.”

Active with Altrincham Rotary Club’s Christmas Toys and Tins collection, he increased the number of donated items from 600 to 3000.

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

The pair received a medallion and a certificate from the Provost, Burgess Alan Laver, in the presence of Alderman Mark Rae, Deputy Lord Baron’s Steward.