THREE people who have excelled in their field are to be honoured with the Freedom of the Borough of Bury.

Lieutenant Colonel Eric Davidson, boxing coach Mick Jelley and community champion Yvonne Moore who will receive their scrolls and medallions at a special meeting of the full council next Wednesday (June 24).

Honorary Freedom is the highest civic honour that can be bestowed by the council. Among those who have been awarded the honour in recent years are the Oscar-winning film director Danny Boyle and the band Elbow.

Lieutenant Colonel Davidson is being recognised for his outstanding work on behalf of local charities, including the organisation of the annual Poppy Appeal and for his role as a member of the board of directors in assisting with development and successful management of the National Museum of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. It is also in tribute to his role in organising the annual Gallipoli and Remembrance Sunday ceremonies.

Mick Jelley, who used to train Amir Khan, is being recognised for his longstanding association with Bury Amateur Boxing Club and the positive impact this has had on the lives of young people who have passed through its ranks. The accolade is also in tribute to the outstanding work undertaken with the police and probation services.

Yvonne Moore, from Whitefield, who was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2014, is being recognised for her tireless work on behalf of local residents including the establishment of a Home Watch scheme, the founding of the Old Hall Park Residents Association, chairing the Bury Metropolitan Community Twinning Association and promoting positive relations between Bury and its twin towns. She is also being recognised for her continuing support and fundraising efforts on behalf of local charities.

Councillor Stella Smith, the Mayor of Bury, said: “All three have a long record of outstanding work in the community. They have been a real asset to Bury and make a big difference to people’s lives, and we are delighted to give them this honour in recognition of their effort and dedication.”

The ceremony will be streamed live by Digital Tree Media from 7pm at http://new.digitaltreemedia.co.uk/burycouncil/