A TRUE pillar of the Northwich community is set to be recognised by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Councillors will be asked to confirm the appointment of four new honorary freemen of the borough at Thursday night’s full council meeting in Winsford.

David Roberts, 83, is set to be recognised for his contribution to business in mid Cheshire through his involvement in Roberts Bakery and his community involvement – particularly with the development of the Northwich neighbourhood plan.

He told the Guardian it is a ‘staggering honour’ to be nominated.

David said: “Eighteen months ago the town council made me a freeman of Northwich which was very, very generous of them and I am very grateful for that.

“Out of the blue, CWAC has offered me the opportunity to become a freeman of the borough, and that is quite a serious honour.”

The former Sir John Deane’s Grammar School pupil, who was born in Manchester Road, took the helm at family firm Roberts Bakery in 1986 and retired 20 years later.

He chaired Northwich’s neighbourhood plan steering group for four years before it was adopted last June.

David added: “Roberts is a significant employer and I think we are very lucky in Northwich to have a company like Roberts that creates employment for people. I think that is of benefit to the community of Cheshire.

“I’m a Northwich guy – I was born in Northwich, all my working life has been in Northwich and the business has been a part of it.

“It is a huge honour to get this as an ordinary bloke that has done his best for the community, and I feel enormously honoured that CWAC has done it.”

CWAC is also set to award honorary freeman status to Anna Jackson, of Upton, for her inspiration, energy and enthusiasm to disabled and able-bodied people through her head coaching role at Cheshire Phoenix Basketball Club, in Ellesmere Port.

Anna is also a Paralympian who competed at the 2000 Sydney Games, as well as World and European championships.

Winsford resident and children’s author John Malam will also be recognised for his role in the Winsford neighbourhood plan, the Over Allotments Association, Winsford Theatre Group and Friends of Winsford Town Park.

READ > Weaverham child rapist jailed for 12 years after abusing 9-year-old girl

Canon Professor Timothy Wheeler DL will be recognised for services to higher education since 1998, as principal and chief executive of Chester College of Higher Education – which became the University of Chester.

An event to celebrate the achievements of all four is set to be confirmed for Chester Town Hall later this year.