SPORTING hero Roger Hunt looks set to be granted the freedom of Warrington 50 years on from his World Cup triumph with England.

'Sir' Roger, as he is affectionately known, lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy half a century ago when England were crowned World Cup winners at Wembley.

The Culcheth-born 78-year-old played in all six of the national side’s games at the 1966 tournament, scoring three goals.

Former Mayor Geoff Settle is among those calling for Mr Hunt, who now lives in Glazebury, to be granted the freedom of the borough and raised the matter at a full council meeting earlier in the year.

He said: "I raised the suggestion with councillors that it was about time, that after winning a World Cup medal, Roger Hunt be given the accolade of the freedom of Warrington borough.

"I received a very positive, strong and supportive response from the Warrington public and wider afield on social media.

"People of Warrington commented on the work he did in the community, visiting schools and talking and inspiring children with his footballing memories.

"The summer of 1966 was England's greatest achievement in winning the World Cup and it would be great to record that a lad from Warrington shared and played a significant part in that success to act as a reminder as to what can be achieved to inspire our younger generation of sports stars.

"Mr Hunt shows youngsters of the town the importance of working hard, practising your skills and being a key part of a great team.

"Get these right and you can become very successful in business and sport and maybe even a world champion with the right breaks."

The matter will be put to a vote and is set to come before councillors at the Town Hall in early December.

But council leader Cllr Terry O'Neill is confident Mr Hunt will be honoured.

He said: "Roger Hunt is a national treasure whose achievements as part of England's only World Cup-winning squad will always be remembered.

"His goals also made him a club legend at Liverpool FC, where he is affectionately known as 'Sir Roger'.

"As a true Warrington sporting hero, I think it would be fitting for us to bestow one of our highest awards on him – an honorary freedom.

"I believe it would be a great way to honour him and I hope council members will agree with me when this is put before them later this year."