A RARE honour has been awarded to five residents of a small North Yorkshire community who are now entitled to herd sheep or march troops in full colour through their village – should they so wish.

The Freedom of the Parish of Sessay, near Thirsk, has been awarded to five men from the village who have devoted decades to helping keep the community spirit alive.

The oldest recipient is 96-year-old Frank Kay, who has been a Sessay resident his whole life and spent many years helping manage the village hall and keeping the village cricket club going.

Also to receive the award for contributions to village life recently were retired dairy farmer Brian Flintoff, 89, Harwood Stockdale and Bill Barton OBE.

All have served as either trustees of Sessay Village Hall and Playing Fields Association, or on its management committee since the hall and cricket club were built in the early 1970s.

The fifth person to receive the honour was Edward Swales, who was chairman of the parish council for more than 30 years and is still actively involved in running the small local charity, Sessay United Charities, as well as Sessay Tuesday Club - a regular meeting group for residents.

Most have only recently retired from their role despite all being aged in their eighties and they have all contributed to the community in various other ways.

It is the first time in living memory the ancient rite has been awarded to anyone in Sessay and the honours were bestowed at a special ceremony at the village hall.

Chairman of Sessay and Hutton Sessay Parish Council, John MacPherson said: “The idea of offering freedom of the parish has been around since medieval times. I think they can march their sheep through the centre of the village should they wish to do so.

“I’m the parish council chairman and I must say, it was an absolute honour and privilege to award these freedoms.”

Bill Barton OBE represented the area on North Yorkshire County Council and has previously been recognised by the Queen for his work and dedication.

Mr Flintoff, 89, has kept the greens at the cricket club for many years, only recently retiring, and helped to make Sessay one of the most attractive and prestigious cricket clubs in the area.