Tony Wilson honoured by Manchester Council

Factory Records boss Tony Wilson was yesterday (December 3) posthumously awarded the freedom of Manchester by city councillors.

Wilson, who died of a heart attack in 2007 aged 57 after battling cancer, is the first person to be presented with the Roll Of Honour after his death.

Wilson's name has been inscribed in the Manchester Town Hall, appearing next to that of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who in 1999 was the last person to be given the honour. Wilson was a huge Manchester United fan throughout his life.

Councillors agreed unanimously to honour Wilson following his death.

Council leader Sir Richard Leese said of Wilson: "Although he will continue to be much missed for his loyalty, his creativity, his drive and his enthusiasm - both by the city and by all those who knew him - this inscription will ensure that he is not forgotten and that future generations will continue to remember him and all that he did."

Wilson's former partner Yvette Livesey, along with his children Oliver and Izzy (pictured) and Durutti Column drummer Bruce Mitchell, unveiled the inscription.