Stokes grew up in Cockermouth, Cumbria, after shifting from New Zealand with his parents at the age of 12. Calling Stokes a shining example for West Cumbria, Allerdale Borough Council’s Paul Scott, put forward the motion, which was seconded by Cllr Alan Smith.

Councillors last night decided to vote unanimously to back a motion calling for superstar cricketer @benstokes38 to be made a Freeman of the Borough.
Ben grew up in Cockermouth and has put the town firmly on the map this summer.
More info: https://t.co/vkBaDpty59 pic.twitter.com/1c2kl5KwrU

— Allerdale Council (@allerdale) September 26, 2019

“I would like to propose that Allerdale Borough Council acknowledge the performance of one of its own,” he said. “Ben Stokes has worked tirelessly in his career and put Cockermouth on the map with his dedication and commitment.”

Stokes attended Cockermouth School while learning the ropes of the game, and represented Cockermouth Cricket Club, where he bagged the North Lancashire & Cumbria Cricket League Premier Division title thirteen years ago.

Congratulations England.
The 2020 Wisden Almanack will retell the whole amazing journey.https://t.co/oJqdk4m1Sd#CWC19Final #CricketWorldCupFinal #CricketWorldCup2019 https://t.co/hemn0uTrVl

— Wisden Almanack (@WisdenAlmanack) July 14, 2019

He progressed to play for Durham in 2009, and debuted for the national side two years later. Since then he has become one of the most sought-after all-rounders in world cricket, steering England to a World Cup triumph earlier this summer and playing a pivotal role in them levelling the Ashes.

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“More so with his performance in the second innings of the present Ashes series, Ben secured the third Test for England with a workmanlike batting performance and again secured Player of the Match,” Scott continued.

“I firmly believe 2019 belongs to Ben Stokes and to acknowledge this and all of his achievements I call an extraordinary meeting of council to award him the position of Freeman of our borough.”