FOUR new people are to be given the freedom of Hyndburn.

A total of eight new people have now been awarded the top honour after a public appeal for nominees.

West Accrington residents’ champion Joan Pilkington; founder member of Accrington Stanley Jack Barrett; Royal British legion caseworker Roy Lockwood and council gardener Nigel Berry will join the prestigious ranks of Freemen.

Ken Hargreaves, Irene Barnes, Winnie Bridges and Len Dickinson were the first tranche to receive the honour last December.

Coun Peter Britcliffe said: “This acknowledges their hard work.”