AFTER a busy day dispensing justice on the bench of Bury Magistrates Court, Mr Norman Garnett can relax - by driving his sheep over London Bridge!

Not that Mr Garnett has any sheep. But today he will be made a Freeman of the City of London, giving him the right to do just that.

A former chairman of the local bench from 1991-95, Mr Garnett, from Brandlesholme, has a number of connections with the City through his professional life.

"I was involved in a couple of Friendly Societies, mainly concerned with the railway industry," he explained.

"During that time I was voted onto the National Conference of Friendly Societies, and was national president in 1983/84."

Mr Garnett, who has been a magistrate for 27 years, was involved in shaping legislation earlier in this decade, and it was his work in this area that led to the honour he will receive today.

He will be given a certificate to mark his adoption as a Freeman at a special ceremony in the Guildhall conducted by the Lord Chamberlain.

"I won't have any special privileges like a free bus pass," Mr Garnett joked. "In fact, the only right I will have it to drive sheep across London Bridge!"

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