"TO the electors who gave me the name of Mr Tottington -- today, Mr Tottington says thank-you for all your support over 44 years."

So said Mr Bill Johnson, on becoming only the second man in 30 years to be made a Freeman of the Borough.

Friends, family and former council colleagues packed into Bury Town Hall on Wednesday (Oct 13) to see Mr Johnson, who stepped down this year after 44 years as a Conservative councillor, receive the highest honour the borough can bestow.

All agreed it was a fitting tribute to the man who, in the formal words of the motion, had "rendered eminent and outstanding service" to the residents of Bury. He was presented with an illuminated scroll, casket and medallion to commemorate this rare event.

Council leader John Byrne paid tribute to his "character, endeavour, perseverance and conscientiousness, seeking no greater honour or rewards than knowing he has done a good job".

He highlighted his "outstanding" service, particularly in his two terms as mayor, and his pioneering work in twinning Bury with (especially) Schorndorf in Germany.

Coun Byrne also mentioned his generosity, recalling how -- many years ago -- Bill had returned very late from doing the shopping in Bury. He had walked home to Tottington in the deep snow because he had given his bus fare to a one-legged man playing in Crompton Street!

He also remembered his independent spirit, joining the local marches in the 1990s against cuts made by the then Tory Government.

Coun Roy Walker, Tory group leader, looked at how many people and events had been and gone during Bill's reign in Tottington. Whether it was the Beatles, the Kennedy assassination, the 1966 World Cup, the moon landings, Bill just kept on being re-elected. The only man still going seemed to be Fidel Castro -- but he had not submitted himself to the ballot box 14 times.

And Coun Wilf Davison, deputy mayor, added: "He is a man of very high integrity, a man of principle, a great patriot and a believer in upholding tradition. His commitment to the community is exemplary, and he has been a superb ambassador for our town. It's a very special day for a very special man."

Tory councillor David Higgin produced a large thermo-plastic key, which he asked to be put in the footway of the old Tottington town hall to remind people of his contribution.

The man of the moment, Mr Johnson himself, briefly recalled his long council work. "I was honoured to be mayor twice," he said. "I was able to meet so many people from different sections of the borough. I felt humbled by the experience, and today I feel humble. I thank my wife for her continuing and untiring help, and colleagues for the support they have given me."

The honour of Freeman dates back in Bury to 1899, when a certain Mr Oswald Osmond Wrigley was given the award.

A further 22 were admitted between then and 1974, when local government reorganisation created the new metropolitan borough. Only one other person has been so honoured since then -- former Labour councillor David Davies, in 1999, who has since died.

One organisation in Bury enjoys the related Freedom of Entry honour -- the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. First granted in 1946 to the XX The Lancashire Fusiliers and affirmed in 1968 following merger, the council conferred by deed on them "in perpetuity, the right, title, privilege, honour and distinction of marching through the streets of Bury on all ceremonial occasions with drums beating, bands playing, colours flying and bayonets fixed".