Freedom of the Borough status granted to four figures

Article date: 20th April 2023

St Helens Borough Council's Full Council voted to give Freedom of the Borough to Saints legend James Roby, World Darts Champion Michael Smith, St Helens South and Whiston Member of Parliament Marie Rimmer CBE and the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment at a meeting yesterday, Wednesday 19 April.

James Roby, who is born and bred in St Helens and a former Cowley International High School pupil, holds the record for most Super League appearances and is on the verge of overtaking Kel Coslett as Saints' most capped player, having firmly cemented his legendary status.

No stranger to silverware, the 37-year-old has lifted 12 trophies during his time at Saints - most notably as captain of the unprecedented 'Four-midable' Super League Grand Final-winning teams and most recently, the World Club Challenge following Saints' historic victory against Penrith Panthers in Australia in February.  

Michael Smith, aged 32, nicknamed Bully Boy, has enjoyed a flying start to 2023 on the oche, winning the PDC World Darts Championship in January to move up to number one in the world rankings, followed by Bahrain Darts Masters success. 

Smith's thrilling 7-4 win against Michael van Gerwen in the final of the PDC World Darts Championship was watched by millions around the world, with his astonishing nine-dart finish en-route to victory going viral, putting St Helens on the map. 

Marie Rimmer CBE MP is also born and bred in St Helens and has dedicated 45 years of her life to public service, first as a councillor at St Helens Borough Council, becoming council leader over two terms, and since 2015 has represented St Helens South and Whiston as its MP.

During her time as council leader Marie also played key roles in the development of key St Helens Borough projects including the building of Willowbrook Hospice, the rebuild of St Helens and Whiston Hospitals and the building of The Totally Wicked Stadium, home to Saints RLFC.

Finally The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, the Army division for St Helens Borough, was formed on 1st July 2006 from the merger of three historic North West Regiments. The regiment has won 60 Victoria Crosses and a George Cross.

Thirteen of its 303 battle honours are unique, and it is the only regiment of any army at any time in history to carry battle honours from every inhabited continent on its Colours.

Councillor David Baines, Leader of St Helens Borough Council, said: "There is no doubt at all that Duke of Lancaster Regiment, Marie Rimmer CBE, James Roby and Michael Smith are worthy recipients of our highest honour. The impact they have each made in their own way is immense. As a council we are delighted to be able to recognise their efforts in this way."