Date set for Freedom of the Borough ceremony

Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw M.C.

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The town of Heywood is preparing for a day of very special events to be held on Sunday 26 May as the borough celebrates the bravery of local soldier, Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw M.C who will become a Freeman of the Borough during a ceremony at the Civic Centre.

That will be followed by the unveiling of a street sign in his honour at 11.15am in the town centre – with a section of Church Street being renamed Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw M.C Way.

Then a Veterans Day Parade will start from the Heywood Public House at 1.00pm and move towards the Memorial Gardens before returning. The parade which will feature veterans from Aden Yorkshire, Manchester, Korea, Borneo, Cyprus, Northern Ireland, seven Royal British Legion Branches together with Cadets and a Pipes and Drums Band is organised by The Lancashire Veterans Association.

The day will conclude with a concert at the Heywood Public House from 3.00pm.

Stephen, who was awarded a Military Cross earlier this year, is being honoured for his heroic actions while injured on the front line in Afghanistan. Despite being shot, he returned fire and gave 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.

Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour the council can bestow, and Council Leader Colin Lambert said Stephen is a true hero:

“The whole borough is exceptionally proud of Stephen, and where better to have this special day than in his home town of Heywood with his family.

"We have a lot planned and I am sure it is going to be a very moving day. I really hope people will come out onto the streets to show their support.”