BY his own admission, it proved to be only the second greatest day in the life of Middlesbrough FC and England football legend George Hardwick.

Not that those honouring the 81-year-old for his achievements would mind being eclipsed by a world-beating performance.

While he said he was delighted to be granted the Freedom of the Borough of Redcar and Cleveland, Mr Hardwick's greatest moment of glory is a slice of sporting history.

Mr Hardwick, born in Saltburn and brought up in the east Cleveland village of Lingdale, remains the only person to have captained a Great Britain side, leading them to a thrilling six-nil victory over a Rest of the World team in May 1947.

He was awarded the freedom of the borough yesterday, as was 87-year-old Vera Robinson MBE. Mrs Robinson, who enjoyed a teaching career spanning five decades, received her MBE in 1972. She has written five books about Redcar's history and is a tireless charity worker.

The pair follow in the steps of the late Middlesbrough FC star Wilf Mannion, and Redcar's retiring MP, Mo Mowlam, as the only other individuals to have received the honour.

Mr Hardwick paid tribute to the area, saying it was the qualities he took from the communities of east Cleveland which helped him become one of the country's soccer greats.

"They are fighters. And during my time there, they were hungry. But they pulled together and they worked together," he said.

Since hanging up his football boots, Mr Hardwick has played an important charity role in helping youth activities in the area.

"Now when I go back, I tell the young people there is only one place to be, and that is at the top. Work for the top. I was a winner, and that is what Lingdale did for me, no doubt about it," he said.

His award follows a vigorous campaign by people in east Cleveland to present him with the honour.

Councillor Keith Pudney told him at the Redcar Bowl ceremony: "In today's society of distorted values, when football boots are more like slippers and footballs no longer resemble the mud-caked sodden leather articles that you crafted with consummate ease, your talent is unequalled.

"Your manner is sadly lacking in a game crammed full of advisors and agents, proving that you cannot manufacture what is not there to start with."

Mr Hardwick said: "This is a very proud day and a great honour. I would like to thank everyone involved in making this award possible."