SPORTING hero Roger Hunt was left 'overwhelmed' after he was granted the freedom of Warrington 50 years on from his World Cup triumph with England.

Glazebury-born '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 78-year-old starred in each of the side's six games at the tournament, scoring three goals.

As well as notching up 34 caps for England after his debut in 1962, he became a legend at Liverpool following his goalscoring exploits that helped the club secure league and FA Cup success.

Warrington Guardian:

Roger played 492 times for Liverpool, scoring 286 goals, and remains the top league goalscorer for the side, with 245 league goals in 404 games.

Following his career, Roger has continued to have an impact on those in the borough.

During Warrington Town's FA Cup run in 2014 he supported the side and delivered a pep talk to the players before watching the draw with them.

He remains an honorary vice-president of the club and previously presented the team with one of his England caps, which they still have.

He is also a patron of Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation and was instrumental in Culture Warrington winning a grant from the Football Association to fund a project supporting young people in the town.

Warrington Guardian:

On Monday at the Town Hall he was officially made an honorary freeman of Warrington in recognition of his services.

He said: "This is a wonderful day for me, my wife and family.

"I never imagined all those years ago – when I was playing football for Glazebury, Croft and Stockton Heath – that my career would have taken me to winning the World Cup in 1966.

"I've had lots of encouragement along the way, obviously. Having a fantastic mum and dad was the start of it.

"In Warrington, Freddie Worral helped me by coming with me for my interview with Liverpool Football Club.

Warrington Guardian:

"I also owe a great deal to my teammates at Stockton Heath, Liverpool FC, Bolton FC, England and, of course, the great Bill Shankly, Sir Alf Ramsey and my idol Nat Lofthouse.

"Through all these times I have also received magnificent support from the people of Warrington.

"I would like to thank all members of the council for honouring me in this way. I feel overwhelmed by all that has been said about me.

"Warrington is my home – it is where my footballing career began, I am proud to be a Warringtonian.

"I also want to thank Geoff Settle, who instigated this award."

Council leader Cllr Terry O'Neill was among those praising the hero for all he has done.

He said: "Roger's incredible achievements in football have made him a national treasure. He is one of Warrington's true sporting heroes and a fantastic ambassador for our borough.

"I'm absolutely delighted that we are bestowing our highest civic honour on Roger. Even though he has reached the top echelons as a sportsman, he has not forgotten where it all started."