RESIDENTS in East Cleveland have shown their support for a local hero to receive a special honour.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council asked residents to suggest nominees for the Freedom of the Borough.

Only two other people have been given this title - Redcar MP Mo Mowlam and football legend, the late Wilf Mannion.

Councillors Steve Kay and Bruce Mackenzie have been leading a campaign for the title to go to former England and Middlesbrough skipper George Hardwick who comes from the East Cleveland village of Lingdale.

They have presented a petition containing 328 signatures to Colin Moore, the council's chief executive, supporting 80-year-old George's nomination.

The petition is signed by George's supporters in Lingdale, Boosbeck, Margrove Park, Charltons and Stanghow.

Coun Kay said: "These are local people saluting a local hero. After the sad death of Freeman Wilf Mannion, it is appropriate that former Middlesbrough, England and Great Britain football captain George should receive this accolade.

"George came from Lingdale and the people out here have never forgotten him because, through his charity and youth work, George has never forgotten them.

"If George receives this honour, it will be an honour for Lingdale and East Cleveland too."

Coun Mackenzie said: "People like myself who come from Lingdale, recognise the great work George has done both nationally and locally. He is not only a great footballer, but also a great and generous man.

"He is a credit to Lingdale and to the whole of Redcar and Cleveland. No-one deserves this honour more than George Hardwick."

A spokesman for Redcar and Cleveland Council said: "We are delighted to receive this petition - we know that George is held in the highest regard in that area of East Cleveland and it is fair to say he is held in the same regard throughout Teesside.

"The case for George has been well-made and we will be looking at it with other nominations in due course. A decision on who will be conferred the honour will be made later in the year.