GRAHAM Turner has received the freedom of the city of Hereford.

Mr Turner was given the honour from Hereford City Council in a formal ceremony at the Town Hall today for his “immense personal contribution and total commitment” in leading Hereford United as manager and chairman.

"I am tremendously proud of the award that the city has bestowed upon me," said Mr Turner. "It is also a recognition by the council of the importance of the football club to the community and also that I had a team that worked very hard for the survival of the club.

"I would like to thank the council for bestowing this award upon me."

Councillor Kevin Wargen, a former mayor and devoted Hereford United follower, said the award was long overdue.

"Fourteen years managing a football club in the nineties and the noughties is extraordinary but to be chairman for 13 years of them as well is unheard of."

For more information see Thursday's Hereford Times.