Community stalwarts honoured with freedom of city

Port Vale Football Club and the club's chair and co-owner, Carol Shanahan, are set to be awarded the freedom of Stoke-on-Trent.

The announcement comes as the club prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary and the city celebrates 100 years since it was federated.

A number of other significant figures will also be recognised, including billionaire Bet365 co-founders Denise and Peter Coates, and former Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley.

A ceremony is set to take place on Thursday to confer the honours.

Freedom of the city is the top honour the council can bestow on people in recognition of their contribution.

Other recipients on Thursday include the lord-lieutenant of Staffordshire Sir Ian Dudson, businessman John Goodwin, historian Fred Hughes, businessman Mo Iqbal and music promoter Mike Lloyd.

A spokesperson for Port Vale Football Club said the honour was testament to Ms Shanahan's impact on Burslem and wider city in the six years since taking over the club.

The award for the club itself recognised its history and commitment to community engagement through the Port Vale Foundation, they added.

Port Vale chief executive, Matt Hancock said: "This is a truly special moment for everyone connected to Port Vale and I am extremely proud to be accepting this honour on behalf of the club."

Stoke-on-Trent was granted city status on 5 June 1925 by King George V.

Ms Shanahan said the city meant "the world" to her.

"I'm genuinely touched and a little bit overwhelmed to be receiving this honour, both for myself and on behalf of everyone at the football club," she said.

She added that to receive the individual honour while the club was also recognised made it even more special.

"Everything we do at Port Vale is rooted in our commitment to this community. I'm so proud of what we've achieved together so far and even more excited for what's still to come."

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.