Lioness becomes first woman to hold Surrey title

Millie Bright was praised for getting more young people into sport

Footballer Millie Bright has become the first woman to hold an honorary title in a Surrey borough's 50-year history.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council (RBBC) formally made the Lioness, who lives in Redhill, an Honorary Freewoman for services to sport.

Ms Bright was England's captain at the 2023 Women's World Cup and currently plays as a defender for Chelsea.

"I'm really grateful to be awarded with this great accolade," she said. "I'm proud of this community and how the people take care of one another."

Ms Bright has been presented with an OBE

Only "persons of distinction" and those "who have rendered eminent services to the Borough" are awarded the title, according to RBBC.

Councillor Rich Michalowski, who nominated her, described Ms Bright as an "excellent role model, a serial winner, and someone who without a doubt, has encouraged many young people in our borough to take up sport".

The 31-year-old started her professional career with Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2009 and previously played for Leeds Ladies.

She was given an OBE in 2024.

It was first announced in April that Ms Bright would receive the honorary title.

It was bestowed on her by Councillor Eddy Humphreys, Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, at an event in Town Hall on Tuesday.

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