London honour for Ashes hero Cook

London, Jan 14 (AFP) Australia''s Ashes tormentor AlastairCook has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London.

It is yet another honour for England''s player of theseries, who scored a colossal 766 runs in the team''s 3-1triumph.

Now the 26-year-old opener, who plays for county sideEssex, east of London, has followed in the footsteps ofEngland captain Andrew Strauss in receiving the London award.

Cook, who will be presented with the accolade at aceremony later this year, said yesterday: "I am greatlyhonoured and privileged to be given the Freedom of London fordoing something I love... beating the Aussies.

"I would like to thank all those involved with thisdecision."

The Freedom of the City of London is believed to dateback to the 13th century, when it enabled recipients to carryout trade.

But now it is offered to individuals by the Corporationof the City of London to celebrate a significant achievementor honour an outstanding contribution to London life.

Cook, not required for England''s ongoing one-day seriesin Australia, has returned home and is set to assist withlambing on the farm owned by his girlfriend''s parents.

But he won''t be allowed to drive sheep over LondonBridge, or be drunk and disorderly in the City without fear ofarrest, as these traditional privileges associated with theFreedom of the City of London no longer exist. (AFP) AH