Rugby legend and charity fundraiser extraordinaire, Kevin Sinfield OBE, has been presented with one of Oldham’s highest honours.
The Oldhamer officially received the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough, which is the highest award a council can bestow upon a person.
Sinfield was presented with the honour during a council ceremony on Monday (March 20) evening in front of local councillors and close relatives.
The 42-year-old former Leeds Rhinos captain was awarded the accolade for his services and achievements.
Sinfield said: "It's a great honour to receive this recognition from my home town and I want to thank Oldham Council for this special commemoration.
"I am also exceptionally thankful for the support the people of this town have given me over the years, especially since my retirement.
"Your overwhelming support for my teammate Rob Burrow through his journey with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), and the backing you have given me to raise funds for this important cause has been incredible so thank you."
Sinfield has been nationally praised for his fundraising efforts to tackle MND, which have included gruelling running challenges.
These efforts so far have included completing seven marathons in seven days and seven ultra-marathons within a week, which have raised millions of pounds for charity.
During his playing career, which lasted 19 years, he was widely regarded as one of rugby league's greatest-ever kickers.
He is currently the defence coach for England's rugby union team and is now one of just 27 people to have received the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough.
The short list includes former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, suffragist Marjory Lees and Olympic gold medallists Nicola White and Matt Walls.
Leader of Oldham Council, Amanda Chadderton, said: "Kevin is a remarkable athlete and a truly inspiring and generous individual, and we couldn’t find a more fitting way to honour his achievements than with the greatest award our borough can bestow upon him.
"He is a terrific human being and the entire borough is immensely proud of what he has achieved so far, and what he continues to do."
Leader of the Oldham Liberal Democrats Cllr Howard Sykes said at the ceremony that as amazing as Sinfield's sporting achievements were, his charity work is what "takes him well over the try line and between the sticks".
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