A former Macclesfield councillor has been awarded the title of Freeman of the City of London.
Garry Wykes, 65, who grew up in Macclesfield but has lived in London for 20 years, was nominated for his services in promoting the capital around the world and has joined the ranks of the late Princess Diana, Lord Nelson and Margaret Thatcher.
He said: “It is a culmination of a lifetime’s achievement. My family were all very proud and I had lots of congratulations cards. I never really expected to become freeman - I just get on with what I’m doing really. I was very proud to receive the honour.”
Gary grew up on the town’s Hurdsfield Estate and represented the wards of Hurdsfield and Tytherington in the 1970s and 1980s on Macclesfield council. He moved to London in 1992 and began working for the Tower of London in 1997. He started giving lectures on London and its history in 2003 and has since entertained hundreds of groups around the world, travelling on ships including the RMS Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Victoria.
It was for this role as an ambassador that he has been recognised.
Garry, who is the son of former town magistrate Eric Wykes, who was also trade union leader, moved to London after working for ICI, now AstraZeneca.
Garry, who still comes back to Macclesfield to see sisters Heather and Julie, was presented with the award at a ceremony at London’s Guildhall attended by family and friends.
