MIDDLESBROUGH football legend George Hardwick received the Freedom of the Borough of Redcar and Cleveland this week - and declared that it was the second best day of his life.

At Wednesday's ceremony, at which Vera Robinson MBE also received the honour, Mr Hardwick said it came second only to the day he lead his country to football glory.

The pair were following in the steps of Wilf Mannion and Mo Mowlam as the only other individuals to receive this honour.

Saltburn-born Mr Hardwick, 81, grew up in Lingdale and is the only person to have captained a Great Britain side, leading his team in a 6-0 victory over The Rest of the World in May 1947.

Since hanging up his football boots, Mr Hardwick has played an important charity role, helping the young people of East Cleveland. He said: "I tell the young people there's only one place to be - and that's at the top. Work for the top. I was a winner and that's what Lingdale did for me, no doubt about it."

Mr Hardwick's award follows a vigorous campaign by local people to get him the honour. He said: "This is a very proud day and a great honour. I would like to thank everyone involved in making this award possible."

Mrs Robinson, 87, enjoyed a teaching career spanning five decades. She received an MBE in 1972, has written five books about Redcar's history and is a tireless charity worker.