Lioness Alex Greenwood awarded Freedom of the Borough of Sefton

The Lioness was awarded the honour at a council meeting on Thursday night

England footballer Alex Greenwood was hailed as a "role model for future generations" as she was awarded a local civic honour.

The Bootle-born Lioness, who helped secure the 2022 UEFA Women's Euros Championship, is the first woman to be given the Freedom of Sefton.

The award is the highest honour Sefton Council can give to an individual.

Fellow Bootle footballer Jamie Carragher and horse trainer Donald McCain also have the award.

Announcing the decision to bestow the honour on Greenwood, councillor Trish Hardy said the footballer had "long been a major influence in the advancement of women and girls' football within our borough".

Last year, the 30-year-old player said she was honoured to have a 22ft mural commemorating her sporting successes painted in Stanley Road.

Liverpool artist John Culshaw, who is known for murals of Ringo Starr in Toxteth and Mo Salah in Anfield, was tasked with creating the mural, funded due to a joint venture by Sefton Council and REPT Sports.

Alex said she was 'honoured' by the 22ft mural

Speaking at the time, Greenwood said it was "really important" for her to send a message to "young girls in my area that anything is possible".

She said many of the dreams she had while walking the streets of Bootle had come true "through hard work and perseverance". Characteristics that were formed in Bootle."

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