Ashes cricket hero Jimmy Anderson in line for Freedom of Burnley honour

The 28-year-old fast bowler who played a star role in England’s historic victory over Australia and captured the imagination of cricket fans across the world, could be handed the prestigious honour by Burnley Council.

A nomination has been received under the council’s scheme for the award of honours and the issue will be debated at a full meeting of the council on Thursday.

If he is given the accolade, the cricketer, whose nickname is the “Burnley Express,” will be the youngest person to hold the honour.

Mr Tom Forshaw, head of the chief executive’s office at the council, said: “Members are looking forward to debating the motion to admit James as a Freeman of the Borough at full council this Thursday. James and his cricketing achievements are held in high regard and recognition of his outstanding services to cricket, to enhancing the reputation of the borough and as a superb sporting role model for the young people of the borough will be highly influential when considering whether to award James the highest honour the borough can grant.”

Last month the Burnley Express launched a campaign for Jimmy, a former St Theodore’s High School pupil, to be awarded the honour after he emerged from the Ashes series as top wicket-taker and with the formidable reputation as one as the best fast bowlers in the world. He took 24 wickets in the 3-1 series win earning him national and global admiration.

Anderson started his cricketing career in Burnley playing in the Lancashire League.