A FORMER councillor who gave a lifetime of service to Pendle is set to become the first Freeman of the Borough.

But ex-mill worker Frank Hartley had no idea of the honour fellow councillors aim to bestow on him when the Lancashire Evening Telegraph broke the news at his Nelson home.

The man who gave 45 years council service before standing down last year, simply couldn't believe it.

He said: "Are you sure you have the right Coun Hartley? -- no-one has said anything to me!"

Later he added: "I am very surprised -- but I would feel very honoured to become a freeman."

Labour stalwart Mr Hartley, 71, was last year applauded by colleagues from all parties for his dedication to the community when he decided to stand down from the council after record unbroken service with both Nelson and later Pendle councils.

Now the man who chose to quietly serve the community rather than seek high office, is poised to receive the council's highest honour.

Council leader Azhar Ali will move a special resolution at tomorrow's full council meeting calling on members to bestow "the Freedom of the Borough of Pendle on Mr Hartley in recognition of over 45 years of service to the people of Pendle."

Pendle has bestowed no freedom honours on individuals since the council was formed in 1974 but the council gave the freedom to the Queen's Lancashire Regiment last year.

Predecessor Nelson council did bestow freemanships and Mr Hartley is set to join former freemen like cricket legend Sir Learie Constantine and education pioneer Sir Andrew Smith in the all-time list of honour. A Pendle council spokesman said she did not know what privelleges an individual freeman might enjoy, but would investigate.

Bachelor Mr Hartley was born in Nelson and has lived in his Smith Street home from the age of 10.

He was a millworker in Nelson until his retirement when he became a lollipop man at the Cobden Street/Hibson Road junction for five years.

He won a seat on the council at a by-election in Southfield ward in 1954 and retained it until he retired. He was mayor of Nelson in 1967/68. Another former mayor, Coun Colin Waite, who will second the motion to bestow the freedomship on Mr Hartley said today: "No-one deserves it more.

"He is a true gentleman who has always led by example."