THREE new freemen of Altrincham were installed at Altrincham Court Leet’s Trinity Assize on Saturday at Altrincham Town Hall.

Former Messenger reporter Chris Griffin was one of them.

He said: “I thank the Court Leet for giving me this honour.

“I am now working as a lollipop man and a market research interviewer but I haven’t ruled out returning to journalism if the right opportunity arises.”

Equally pleased was Alex McCann, who founded Altrincham HQ, a social media and training company, eleven years ago.

“I am gobsmacked to receive this honour at just 41-years-old”, he said.

“When I started the business I felt the internet was important.

“Altrincham was always a bit behind the city centre but I think that has changed.”

“I use social media to help small businesses get exposure and therefore increase sales.”

Over six years, he has raised £15,000 for Christie’s with his charity Altrincham vs Cancer. His next event is on February 27 at Pure Gym, Altrincham. For more information, see justgiving.com/altrinchamvscancer

“When you run a business you have a responsibility to help others.”

Susan Craig, JP, DL has a distinguished record. She was a Trafford magistrate for 25 years and was Chairman of many Magistrates Committees including three years as Chairman of the Trafford Bench.

Susan, 71, said: “They chuck you out at 70 but I don’t mind. Magistrates no longer have the same power.”

She has been a deputy to the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester since 2007.

She regularly attends citizenship ceremonies throughout Greater Manchester including one in Trafford last week.

She is an assessor for the Queens award for Voluntary Service and a President of Sale (318) squadron, air cadets

Recipients of the Silver Lion award were Jean and Ray Brookes, who became Altrincham’s poppy organisers in 2012 raising approximately £40,000 per year.

Guests included distinguished visitors from other Guilds and Courts plus the Lord Mayor of Hale, James Ross, the Mayor of Knutsford, Councillor Andrew Malloy and the Deputy Mayor, Cheshire East, Councillor Steve Edgar.