Ben Stokes to be made freeman of home borough

Councillors in Allerdale voted unanimously to make the England allrounder a freeman of Cockermouth, the area in which he grew up and went to school

Ben Stokes is set to be honoured in the Cumbrian town where he grew up.

Councillors in Allerdale voted unanimously to make the England allrounder a freeman of Allerdale, the area in which he went to school and played his cricket.

Stokes, who was born in New Zealand before moving to Cumbtia after his father’s appointment as head coach of Workington Town Rugby League Club, went on to attend Cockermouth School and represent Cockermouth Cricket Club.

The title is set to be bestowed upon the 28-year-old at an extraordinary council meeting, the date of which has not yet been confirmed.

“Ben Stokes has put so much hard work and dedication into his sport and has become one of the best cricketers in the world,” councillor Paul Scott said. “He is a shining example to all young people in Cockermouth and Allerdale and really shows what can be achieved.

“He used the facilities in Cockermouth and went on to greatness.”

Councillor Alan Smith, who seconded the motion, added: “I remember several years ago he came to Cockermouth Town Council for a grant to help with his sporting aspirations, I think it was for £150. I’m sure this is the best £150 we’ve ever spent. It is quite right we honour him in this way.”

As a 15-year-old, Stokes was part of the Cockermouth team that won the Lancashire & Cumbria Cricket League Premier Division title in 2006.

Stokes has also been shortlisted alongside Simon Harmer, Dominic Sibley and Ryan Higgins for the NatWest PCA Players’ Player of the Year award as he looks to round off a remarkable individual year.