Cricket hero Jimmy Anderson is set to be given the freedom of the borough after his Ashes exploits.

The 28-year-old is believed to be the youngster-ever recipient of the honour, which is usually reserved for political and civic veterans.

Not only did the paceman snare 24 wickets during England’s Australian odyssey but he also celebrated the birth of his new daughter Ruby.

He also passed the 200-test wicket mark in Perth, putting him among the ranks of greats like Sir Ian Botham, Derek Lillee and Waqar Younis.

The former St Theodore RC High pupil’s nomination was considered by a town hall working group, which unanimously approved the bid.

Nomination papers said that Jimmy, who began his career at Burnley Cricket Club, had given the nation “a great boost” with his Ashes performance.

Council democracy officer Tom Forshaw said in an executive report: “Admitting someone as a freeman is the highest honour that the council can give. It does not confer any rights as it is a purely honorary title.”

The honour will be conferred on Jimmy in a town hall ceremony later in the year.

The ace bowler will be in distinguished company, with Clarets legend Jimmy McIlroy being named a freeman in 2009.

Before that, the last institution to be given the award was HMS Active, which has been affiliated with Burnley since the Second World War.

Soldiers from the former East Lancashire and Queen’s Lancashire Regiment have also had the honour conferred on them historically.