Sunderland fan endorses Dan Burn freedom

Newcastle United hero Dan Burn will be made an honorary freeman of Northumberland after councillors unanimously voted to back the plans.

Born in Blyth, the 32-year-old scored the opening goal in the Magpies' first Wembley triumph since 1955, with the team winning the Carabao Cup.

The freedom motion was even supported by county councillor who is a fan of the team's arch-rival, Sunderland.

Councillor David Bawn described Burn as a role model and said it went "beyond tribal allegiance to Newcastle".

Northumberland County Council convened an extraordinary meeting to confirm the honour.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said council leader Glen Sanderson described Burn as someone with a "proud Blyth history".

"He is a very good man and he is also a hero," he added.

Independent Group leader Derek Kennedy said: "I think he is something we should all aspire to - what a success story he has."

Bawn, a Sunderland supporter and Tory councillor, said: "This goes beyond tribal allegiance to Newcastle - this is someone who represents the region as a role model for aspiring sportsmen and women.

"I endorse this - through gritted teeth - for the good of the county!"

Councillor Anna Watson, who represents Blyth's Isabella ward, said: "How amazing and proud I am as a Blyth lass that we now have the likes of Dan Burn from our home town receiving this honour.

"What a huge advocate he is for our grassroots teams."

Burn will receive the honour this summer alongside fellow footballer Lucy Bronze, who was born in Berwick and went to school in Alnwick, after the council agreed to make the England and Chelsea star a freewoman of the county in January.

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