CHIPPING Norton resident Betty Hicks not only sports the new title of the town's 7th Honorary Citizen, but also has the freedom to graze her animals on Chippy's verdant pastures if she decides to buy any.

Town mayor Councillor Mike Tysoe bestowed the honour on Mrs Hicks at a ceremony in the town hall for her services to the town.

"Betty has been honoured for her many and varied charitable works and we were extremely pleased when she accepted the award. She is well loved in the community, is always busy and is never more happy than when doing things for people in the Chipping Norton area," said Councillor Tysoe.

Mrs Hicks, was born in Bradford in 1929 and was billeted to Chipping Norton after joining the Land Army in 1947 where she became proficient in driving and cycling. She was to make the town her home after meeting and marrying Bill Hicks and together the couple had five children: Alan, Martin, Sharon, Mandy and Tracy. Sadly Tracy died two years ago.

Although Mr Hicks died 22 years ago, Mrs Hicks continued her voluntary community work which includes transporting people to hospital and other places including the Blind Club each Thursday; running the Monday Club and the annual event for the women's section of the Royal British Legion. She bakes for the country market each Saturday and attends the Royal Albert Hall each year for the Remembrance Service and remains active in poppy sales having earned her poppy pin for 50 years' service.

Mrs Hicks is also kept busy with her growing family and now has nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great, great-grandchild.

Chipping Norton first began recognising its honorary citizens in 2007 and the first recipient was the late John Hannis. Since then it was decided to give more than just a medal and certificate and a "Stint of the Regulated Pasture" was also awarded for the recipient's lifetime.

Councillor Tysoe explained: "A Stint can best be described as the right to graze a certain number of your animals on the regulated pastures of the town and its award locks the holder into the history of the town."

Mrs Hicks said being given the citizenship was unexpected.

"I had no idea I was going to be asked and I couldn't believe it. It was a lovely surprise and I felt very honoured and had a lovely day with everyone. A lot of people came to the ceremony including my sister Marjorie, from Bradford. I don't think I'll be buying any sheep, though," she said."