Godmanchester has honoured two community stalwarts with the title of Honorary Freeman in recognition of their service to the town.

The town council revived the honour, the highest it can bestow, and granted it to Pat Doherty and Alan Hooker at its annual town meeting on Tuesday (May 6).

Mayor Reverend Councillor David Underwood said: “It does not carry the right to graze cattle on the Recreation Ground nor drive sheep over the town bridge, but it does, we hope express the thanks and appreciation of all Godmanchester people for the huge contribution that the recipients have made to life of the community.”

Mr Doherty was a founder member of both Godmanchester Community Association and the re-formed Godmanchester Town Council, serving as mayor. He was also a district councillor, a member of the fishing club and the Comrades Club.

He organised a youth club on Thursday evenings and more recently has collected donations on Bonfire Night and been a steward on Remembrance Day.

Mr Hooker helped Mr Doherty with the youth club and has taken a leading role in the town’s community association, for which he has been treasurer for 32 years, also overseeing the popular Godmanchester 800 club.

He has become the annual fireworks display supremo, carrying on the good work started by David Stokes and Peter Heseltine when they were held at Godmanchester Primary School, and is heavily involved in Gala Day, as well as being editor of Bridge magazine. He even found time to do a stint as a town councillor.