FORMER Droitwich councillor Harry Hipkiss will be able to herd cows through the town centre free of charge if he wants after he is given the Freedom of the Town in a special ceremony this Thursday.

Mr Hipkiss, who has devoted his retirement to charitable work, will be named Honorary Freeman during the event at the council chamber in Victoria Square.

In mediaeval times, the title would have enabled Mr Hipkiss to take his cattle through the town without paying any fees.

Now it means he can attend town functions and formal ceremonies.

The honour has been bestowed on Mr Hipkiss "in recognition of the eminent service he has rendered to the community as an elected member of the town, and for his meritorious services to the town in a non-civic capacity."

The ceremony, which starts at 7pm, will take the following order:

Droitwich Mayor Jan Bolton, preceded by the maces and followed by the town clerk, will enter the chamber and escort Mr Hipkiss to his seat.

Prayers will be said by the Mayor's chaplain, and then the Mayor will admit Mr Hipkiss to be an Honorary Freeman.

The Mayor will then call for the motion to be seconded, before Mr Hipkiss signs a copy of the oath.