A MAN who helped bring the fate of the Accrington Pals to the world's attention is to be given the Freedom of the Borough of Hyndburn.

Bill Turner had his nomination for the title - the highest a council can bestow - unanimously approved at a meeting of Hyndburn Council.

The local historian, 74, has written three books on the Accrington Pals and was the driving force behind the memorial dedicated to them in Church Street Gardens.

He will be made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough at a ceremony in December.

Councillors also voted to give the same honour - only handed out in very rare, special circumstances - to local charity worker Alice Horne.

Alice, from Oswaldtwistle, is wheelchair-bound, partially blind and suffers from arthritis, but works to help others less fortunate, despite being in her 90s.

Today Mr Turner, who lives in Bamford Crescent, Accrington, with his wife, Ruth, spoke of his delight at receiving the title.

He said: "It's a great honour and was so unexpected. I was quite thrilled and I still really cannot get over it.

"I haven't said anything to anybody because it was not confirmed until the council meeting. I even asked my family not to say anything to anyone. I am so delighted that people have recognised my work."

The 11th (Service) Battalion (Accrington) East Lancashire Regiment, better known as the Accrington Pals, suffered devastating losses on the opening day of the Battle of the Somme in July 1916.

Mr Turner has lived in Hyndburn since 1960.

He first started to research the Accrington Pals regiment while studying for a diploma in history, and spent months interviewing families and collecting photographs.

The title Freeman of the Borough is a ceremonial position which gives certain freedoms, including being able to parade through the streets of the borough.

Council leader Coun Peter Britcliffe said: "William Turner and Alice Horne are two really special people, who have given a great deal to the Hyndburn community, and it's fitting that they should be awarded the Freedom of the Borough which they have served so well over the years."