Hull’s Lioness Carol Thomas given Freedom of City

HONOURED: Carol Thomas BEM

By Simon Bristow

Former England Women’s Football captain, Carol Thomas BEM, will be granted the Honorary Freedom of Hull this month.

The Hull-born footballer will be presented with the Honorary Freemen scroll by The Lord Mayor of Hull, Councillor Christine Randall, in the Hull City Council Chamber on Thursday, January 19.

Carol was the second ever captain of England Women and the first to lead the Lionesses to a European final.

Having become the first woman to win 50 caps for England, and skippered the side in seven consecutive tournaments, Carol lifted the  UEFA Women’s Championship runner-up trophy in 1984.

LANDMARK: Carol winning her 50th cap against Scotland in 1985

The Lord Mayor said: “The title of Honorary Freeman of the City is the highest honour the council can bestow and Carol is the perfect recipient.

“Her contribution to women’s football has undoubtedly had an impact on the growing game we see today and it is only fitting we recognise such incredible home-grown talent.”

Carol said: “I am so proud and honoured to become an Honorary Freeman of the City of Hull, my home city. This award means so much to me as it is from the people of Hull and I will continue to represent and promote my home city with pride."

The ceremony will be available to view via the council’s live webcast at 3pm on January 19.

• Read our exclusive interview with Carol as she looks back on her remarkable career here.