A former North Wiltshire MP has been granted Honorary Freedom of Royal Wootton Bassett in recognition of his service to the town's residents.

At a meeting of the town council, it was unanimously resolved to award James Gray, who served as MP for North Wiltshire from 1997 to 2024, the honour.

Mr Gray said: "There can be no finer town nor nicer people than the folk of Royal Wootton Bassett in my erstwhile constituency.

"So it was a huge honour and great surprise to be only, I think, the second person to be granted the Freedom of the Town at the civic service last Sunday.

"It means a huge amount to me and stands as the greatest honour I could wish for."

(Image: UK Parliament)

The former MP recalled the town's ceremonies for the Iraq and Afghanistan fallen, as their coffins were borne home from RAF Lyneham and then carried through the streets of Royal Wootton Bassett. 

This lead to the addition of Royal to the town's name, which Mr Gray said was "certainly never sought," but the town was "very pleased to receive".

He added: "Bassett is just a wonderful Wiltshire community and the heart of my constituency.

"I loved serving the people for 27 years and am delighted and honoured to have been given the freedom of the finest town in England."

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