Luton Town legend hopes honour means free pints

Mick Harford receives his award from Luton mayor Yaqub Hanif

A Luton Town legend hopes an honour given to him by the local council will mean he can get free pints in the town.

Mick Harford was one of five awarded the Freedom of the Borough at a civic ceremony on Tuesday.

The authority said the honour is conferred upon “persons of distinction and persons who have, in the opinion of the council, rendered eminent service to the borough.”

When asked what the award means, the former Hatters striker said: "Maybe not having to buy a pint in Luton anymore.

"I'm so pleased and so honoured by it, it's just an indication of where the football club is at the moment."

Harry Styles watched Luton Town take on Manchester United in February alongside Mick Harford.

Conservative councillor Geoffrey Farr, human rights champion Nazia Khanum, businessman Derek Ludlow and Imam Qazi Abdul Aziz Chishti were also honoured.

Mayor Yaqub Hanif said: "Each encapsulates what it means to be a Lutonian: to help others and to make our town a better place through their words and actions."

Harford had served at Luton Town as a player, director, coach and manager.

He currently holds the title of chief recruitment officer at the club.

The council said: "His commitment to the club and unerring support for its role in the town, has rightly earned him the status of 'legend'."

Mick Harford first played for Luton Town from 1984 to 1990 and then again from 1991 to 1992

The 65-year-old, born in Sunderland, also joined calls for Radio 1's Big Weekend headliner Coldplay to change the lyrics of their song Yellow.

Hatters fans want the band to sing the word "orange" instead as it is the colour of Luton Town while yellow is worn by their rivals Watford.

He told Andy Collins on BBC Three Counties Radio: "I certainly back that campaign, 100%.

"I know you're a big Watford fan but it has to be done and you have to get on side as well."