Hero soldier to be awarded Freedom of the Borough

Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw M.C.

Plans are being finalised for a ceremony celebrating the bravery of local soldier, Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw M.C who is to become a Freeman of the Borough, the highest honour the council can bestow on an individual or group.

Councillors agreed to honour Lance Corporal Shaw, from Heywood, for his heroic actions while injured on the front line in Afghanistan.

It will be a second accolade for Lance Corporal Shaw who was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/78921/helmand-hero-honoured-for-bravery

Councillor Alan McCarthy, who proposed the honour said: “Lance Corporal Shaw M.C. is a true hero, and one the borough of Rochdale should be proud of.

"His actions during an horrific attack were in the very finest traditions of the British Army. Despite being shot, this young and inexperienced soldier had the presence of mind to return fire and give directions to his commander. He then took the deliberate decision to enter the killing area to the aid of four of his colleagues who lay wounded.

"The borough has been shown in a positive light by his actions.”

The Freedom of the Borough is very rarely used and only awarded to local people who have made a significant contribution to the locality or have achieved something outstanding.