Would ewe baa-lieve it?!

When outgoing councillor David Routledge MBE was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Hillingdon, he was going to exercise an ancient right by hook or by crook.

The former Uxbridge South member of Hillingdon Council took to Uxbridge High Street with the mayor, Councillor Allan Kauffman, to drive a herd of sheep through the town, one of those ancient privileges that comes with the honour.

Former councillor David Routledge with Mayor of Hillingdon Allan Kauffman and a small, metal sheep. Mr Routledge was exercising his right as a newly made Freeman of the Borough of Hillingdon to drive a herd of sheep through the town

OK, one sheep. Made of metal. But it’s the thought that counts.

Freedom of the Borough is an exclusive club: only 21 individuals have been granted it since Hillingdon became a London local authority in 1965.

Mr Routledge was one of a group of councillors of both parties who were honoured as they left office before the recent local authority elections.

They included councillors Josephine Barrett, Paul Harmsworth, Shirley Harper-O’Neill, John Major, David Payne and Jill Rhodes.