A FORMER Mayor of Warrington is set to be named an honorary freeman of the town.

Cllr Pauline Nelson, who has been on the council since 1991, was first citizen in 2003 and has also been chairman of Birchwood Town Council.

A special meeting of the council has been organised for Thursday.

Council document say: "Born in Manchester, Cllr Pauline Nelson has lived in Warrington since 1979. Cllr Nelson has two children, John and Emma, and a husband Barry.

"A huge Warrington Wolves and Manchester United Fan, Pauline is a founder member of the Warrington Wolves Supporters Trust. Described as an ‘enthusiastic and respected board member’, the trust has donated over £200,000 since its inception in 2002 to funding the training and education of players and coaches and the donation of equipment.

"Cllr Nelson has always gone above and beyond in helping at all the fundraising events for Warrington Wolves Supporters Trust. Pauline has been actively involved in several Warrington Wolves players’ testimonials, including Lee Briers and Ben Westwood.

"Her close relationship with the players at Warrington Wolves was shown in December, when she affectionately spoke at the Honorary Citizenship Ceremony for Ben Westwood.

"In 2018, Councillor Nelson was named a Heart and Soul Award winner, which is presented to those people who have given their time and passion to the development of rugby league in Warrington.

"She was recognised in particular for her commitment in supporting the young people at Warrington Wolves Rugby Club, using her experience and knowledge as a local councillor, school governor and thorough her work with local youth groups within Warrington. This award presented her with a footprint bearing her name that would be placed in the concourse of the Halliwell Jones Stadium’s South Stand.

"Cllr Pauline Nelson was first elected a councillor of Warrington Borough Council in May 1991, representing the Birchwood Ward. In her time on the council, Councillor Nelson has sat on many committees. In recent years she has sat on and chaired the licensing committee, and its various sub-committees. In 2003, Councillor Nelson was appointed Mayor of Warrington. She showed her dedication to the youth of the town by choosing Project 12-19, a charity for young people, for her mayoral appeal.

"As well as being a Cllr for Warrington Borough Council, she also sits as a parish councillor for Birchwood Town Council. Councillor Nelson has been a stalwart resident of Birchwood since it was built, and even served as Chair of Birchwood Town Council.

"Councillor Nelson dedicates much of her time to serving the people of Warrington, and formed close relationships with many of the councillors. Leader of the council, Councillor Russ Bowden commended her tremendous support and advice since first becoming a candidate, and through his career as a councillor. Her commitment to the council has been seen over the years through her extensive canvassing work and campaigning in the lead up to elections."