Star Wars director to be made freeman of home town

Gareth Edwards, pictured at the UK premiere of sci-fi thriller The Creator at London's Science Museum in September 2023

Star Wars filmmaker and Oscar nominee Gareth Edwards is to become a freeman of his home town.

The Rogue One director will attend a ceremony in Nuneaton on Monday to honour his contribution to the film industry.

The 48-year-old went to North Warwickshire and Hinckley College, then completed further film studies before releasing directorial debut Monsters in 2010.

His latest film, science fiction thriller The Creator, is nominated for two Oscars for best sound and visual effects.

Making someone an honorary freeman or freewoman is the highest award a council can give to one of its citizens.

Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council said the accolade recognised Mr Edwards' "contribution to film as an international film director, writer, cinematographer and visual effects artist".

• Listen on BBC Sounds: Gareth Edwards Interview special: The Creator

The civic awards ceremony will grant eight other local figures freedom of the borough, including Carol Valentine, the mother of Sgt Simon Valentine who died in Afghanistan.

Four former councillors will also become honorary aldermen and women.

Council leader Kris Wilson said the awards aimed to "restore civic pride" in the borough.

“It is an honour to provide these distinctive individuals this reward for their efforts for their dedication and unwavering service to Nuneaton and Bedworth," he said.

The ceremony takes place at 18:00 GMT at Nuneaton Town Hall.