TWO pillars of the community have been nominated for a borough's new title of Honorary Freeman.

Dorothy McGregor, of St Leger Court, Accrington, and Eunice Whittaker, of Fernlea Drive, Clayton-le-Moors, will receive their awards at the civic carol service at St James church, Accrington, on December 17.

Mrs Whittaker has worked in local government officer, as a teacher and lecturer but is best known for her work, as secretary for the Save Accrington Campaign from 1979 to 1982, Citizen's Advice Bureau volunteer and Hyndburn Christian Stable trustee.

She said: "I was stunned and honoured when I found out about the award. It's always been important for me to take an active part in the community. Of all the things I have done, the CAB is very important to me. It keeps your brain going and a great feeling when you help someone."

Eunice Whittaker's CV is as long as her arm. She has worked as youth leader, Samaritans volunteer, and executive member of Help the Aged. But the former lecturer in nurse training, divorce court liaison officer and qualified masseur says the most important thing she does is her present work as a volunteer for the Maundy Grange charity, which helps people in immediate need.

She said: "I was embarrassed at first and didn't know whether to accept but in the end I'm pleased for the people of Hyndburn.

"I've been a volunteer all my life but Maundy Grange is literarily a dream come true. For the past three years, we have been offering a comprehensive response to poverty in a form of financial, spiritual and emotional help. It's a great privilege to be involved."

Leader of Hyndburn Council Peter Britcliffe said: "The council has nominated freeman sporadically over recent years, but we are now hoping to make this an annual event.

"This is the United Nations Year of the Volunteer and we decided these women were excellent ambassadors for Hyndburn's voluntary sector".