Calls have been made for tireless campaigner Ann Ming to receive a Damehood.
Ann made legal history in 2003 when she overturned the 800-year-old double jeopardy law, which prevented people being tried twice for the same offence.
She had spent 17 years fighting for justice for her daughter Julie Hogg, who was murdered by Billy Dunlop in 1989 when she was just 22-years-old.
Dunlop appeared to be laughing at the law when he boasted to a prison officer that he did kill Julie - but her campaigning to fight the law, supported by The Northern Echo, saw Dunlop finally sentenced to life at the High Court in London in 2006.
Now, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has written to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Justice Secretary David Lammy to make Ann Ming MBE a Dame.
Ann said she is both “deeply humbled” and “truly honoured” by the nomination, thanking the support of Teesside and the wider community in her campaign.
She said: “My campaign was for 17 years and without the support of Teesside and the wider community my campaign wouldn’t have gained so much publicity and traction and for that I am really touched by the nation for supporting my family and I.
“There is nothing like true northern support and spirit and I am truly honoured to have been nominated for such a prestigious award.”
Mr Houchen added: “Ann Ming’s courage and determination delivered justice not just for her daughter, but also for countless families right across the country.
“Her 17-year campaign helped change the law of this country, overturning the 800-year-old double jeopardy rule so that serious crimes like murder can be retried where new and compelling evidence emerges.
“Her fight began after her daughter Julie was murdered in Billingham in 1989.
"Because of Ann’s determination, the law was reformed through the Criminal Justice Act 2003, leading to a retrial and a life sentence in 2006 and delivering justice in hundreds of cases since.
“Ann took on the system and won, and whose tireless work will continue to serve justice for generations to come.
“That fight began here on Teesside, but its impact continues to be felt by victims in every corner of the country.
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“I believe a Damehood would be a fitting recognition for one of the most important campaigns for justice in modern British history, and I'm certain many of you will agree.”
Ann’s inspirational story reached a global audience last summer through I Fought The Law, a four-part ITV drama starring Sheridan Smith.
In a chat with The Northern Echo last year, the BAFTA-award-winning actress described Ann as a “modern-day superhero”, saying she was “honoured” to play her.
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