The freedom of the Selby district awarded

The freedom of the Selby district has been awarded to 51 Squadron of the Royal Airforce and the Yorkshire Regiment of the British Army.

It is only the second time the award has been given and took place at the last ever full council meeting of Selby District Council. From 1 April, the organisation will be replaced by a single unitary authority covering all of North Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Council.

Under the Local Government Act 1972 Selby District Council is able to award the honorary freemen of the district to individuals or groups who have, in the opinion of the council, rendered eminent services to the district. Ye Fraternitie of Olde Selebiansnominated both 51 Squadron and the Yorkshire Regiment for the awards.

Bryan Wilcockson, former president of Ye Fraternitie of Olde Selebians, explained: “This award has been made to the Number 51 Squadron in gratitude for their service during World War 2 and their continued connection to the town of Selby, ongoing ceremonial role in the Armistice Day ceremony in Selby Cemetery and the Remembrance Day ceremony at Selby Abbey.

“As well as being based at RAF Snaith during World War 2, it turned a flight of its aircraft and crew over to make 578 Squadron which flew from RAF Burn.

"Many crew trained at RAF Riccall, a former Royal Airforce airfield located in the Selby District with No.1658 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF. Multiple Selby residents were members of this highly decorated unit, including recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Ken Dean of Riccall and several veterans are interred in the War Graves section of Selby Cemetery including one George Medal,” he added

Number 51 squadron veterans and serving personnel return to Selby each year to support both the Armistice Day Ceremony in Selby cemetery and the Remembrance Day ceremony at Selby Abbey.

Mr Wilcockson added: “Veterans of the historic regiments making up the Yorkshire Regiment include past residents of Selby District with their names recorded on war memorials at Selby Abbey and throughout the Selby district. Ye Fraternitie of olde Selebians and Yorkshire Regiment veterans went on to start the Armistice Day ceremony in Selby Cemetery and the Yorkshire Regiment sends veterans and serving personnel each year to support both the Armistice Day ceremony in Selby Cemetery and the Remembrance Day ceremony at Selby Abbey.”

Chairman Councillor Ian Chilvers added: “Both these organisations have a long-standing association with the Selby district and I’m delighted that on this historic occasion – the last ever meeting of Selby District Council – we have taken this opportunity to award this prestigious honour to them.”