Jill Neville - mum to Gary and Phil - given Freedom of Bury

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Gary Neville's mum Jill has been company secretary at Bury FC for more than 20 years Credit: Martin Rickett / PA Wire

The mother of footballers Gary and Phil Neville is to be given the freedom of the borough where she was born and still lives.

Jill Neville, 61, will be honoured in part for her service to Bury Football Club (FC), where she has been company secretary for more than 20 years and also general manager for the last three years.

The freedom award in Bury is in "recognition of her unique and enduring contribution to the development of Bury Football Club as a community club, women's sport and more generally sport in the community".

She said: "It took my breath away when I got the letter. I didn't think I was qualified for it! But I am deeply honoured."

Both her sons played for England on numerous occasions as did her daughter, Tracey, in the sport of netball.

Her husband, Neville Neville, has also enjoyed a long association with Bury FC. Mrs Neville still plays rounders and netball and continues to promote sport in the area.

She will be presented with a commemorative medal and scroll at a special meeting of Bury Council on Wednesday July 4.

Mrs Neville follows in the footsteps of Oscar-winner director Danny Boyle and members of the rock group Elbow in receiving the freedom award in Bury.