Hillsborough campaigner given freedom of borough

Margaret Aspinall said she was "really proud" to receive the award

An "inspirational" campaigner has said she felt "very privileged and humbled" to be awarded the highest honour in her borough in recognition of her work seeking justice for those impacted by the Hillsborough disaster.

Margaret Aspinall, from Knowsley, has been awarded the Freedom of the Borough for being an advocate for justice and a passionate supporter of a Hillsborough Law which is set to come into effect in April.

Ms Aspinall's 18-year-old son James was one of the 97 victims who lost their lives in the 1989 Hillsborough tragedy.

The 78-year-old said she was "really proud" after receiving the award at a special council meeting on Wednesday.

She said: "I'm really proud as I was born in Knowsley, I've lived all my life in Knowsley, and for this community and the council to nominate me for this award it makes me feel so privileged and humble."

Leader of Knowsley Council Graham Morgan said Ms Aspinall was an "outstanding, inspirational woman" and a "great role model".

"Typical of Margaret, she said 'I'll accept it but it is on behalf of the [Hillsborough] families'.

"That is typical of how unselfish she is."

Mr Morgan said Ms Aspinall's "sheer determination" had "played a huge part" in its progress all while she had lost her son in the tragedy.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who was instrumental in getting the Gordon Brown Labour government to set up the Hillsborough independent panel, was at the meeting alongside Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram.

Burnham said there was "no more worthy recipient" than Ms Aspinall and praised her strength, dignity and resilience.

The Hillsborough Law is set to be officially introduced in April and will offer significant safeguards to future victims of major disasters and compel public bodies to cooperate with investigations, or face potential criminal sanctions.

The Freedom of the Borough award is reserved for individuals or organisations that have provided "eminent" service to the area and has only been awarded eight other times.

Past recipients have included former Prime Minister and Huyton MP Harold Wilson and ex-England and Liverpool footballer Stephen Gerrard.