Newtown doesn't have any living Freemen or Freewomen

Newtown has just one Honorary Freeman/Freewoman of the town and they are dead, town council documents reveal.

Town councillors will be told at their full council meeting this evening that up to 12 living people can hold the title.

The title of Freeman or Freewoman of the town is the highest honour a council, such as Newtown Town Council, can give to a person, even posthumously.

They are generally persons "of distinction" who had "rendered eminent service" to  a town.

A report going before councillors will update them on the policy for the honorary title. Council officers believe not everyone on the council or working for it as are aware of the title and the rules around it.

"The honour can only be lawfully conferred at a specially convened council meeting and requires 2/3 majority of those voting. The current policy requires that no more than 12 living people can hold the title," the report says.

Councillor are expected to approve the policy document at their meeting before it is shared with staff, volunteers and the councillors themselves.

It is not know if anyone is likely to be put forward as a Freeman or Freewoman following its approval.