Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle received a very special award this week as he was honoured with the Freedom of the Borough from his home town of Bury.
After travelling to the town hall by tram on Monday, the 52-year-old was feted at a special ceremony proudly watched by his dad Patrick, 88, and his two sisters. The honour means he joins a prestigious group of just 23 people who have received the scroll and medal in the last century.
"It's been lovely to get this award. It’s the generosity and spirit in which it's given that makes it so important," said Danny. Clearly touched by the gesture he added: "All the awards I've received are equal in a way. I plan to put the scroll in my dad's house and will take the medal to London."
The Slumdog Millionaire star – whose film picked up eight Oscars at this year's February ceremony – was not the only Bury success story returning home to receive the civic honour.
Five piece rock band Elbow, who formed at Bury college in the Nineties and who were recently named best band at the Brit awards, were also honoured, as was 19-year-old Zoe Robinson who picked up a team gold medal for boccia - a game similar to bowls – at the Paralympic Games in Bejiing.
Photo: PA
