Haverhill's deputy mayor Cllr Les Ager presented a commemorative scroll to 34 war veterans at the arts centre on Sunday as part of the build up to the Remembrance Day parade.

The recipients also received a lunch courtesy of the creators of the award, Haverhill Town Council.

A further ten veterans who were unable to make the presentation will receive their awards at a later date.

The idea for Freedom Of Haverhill awards was agreed by the town council in June as a way to recognise the war effort of those who gave service to Haverhill, be it through the armed forces, Land Army, nursing auxillaries or any other recognised form of contribution.

The town council has now set up a working party to look at extending the concept to other people who have made significant contributions to the community.

Haverhill Town Council clerk, Gordon Mussett, pointed out one strange aspect of the award.

He said: "It entitles them to drive their sheep down the high street, but unfortunately there might be some sort of pedestrianisation regulation that means they can't."

Haverhill mayor Cllr Ted Trebble, who initially suggested the idea, asked the Echo to pass on his apologies for being unable to attend.

He is currently recuperating in Newmarket Hospital, following a stroke, but said he intends to return for the town's Christmas festivities and is following events in Haverhill and the work of the town council closely from hospital.