AN ‘exceptional servant to Warrington through decades of dedicated reporting’ has been made an honorary freeman of the borough.

David Skentelbery – a recognised champion of providing free community news across the current local titles of Warrington Worldwide, Lymm Life and Culcheth Life – has almost 70 years of local news reporting experience across Warrington.

He started his career with the Knutsford Guardian, Warrington Guardian and Lancashire Evening Post, before setting up his own local media organisation, Orbit News, more than 50 years ago.

David set up Warrington Worldwide, the borough-wide free publication and website, 25 years ago.

Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Steve Wright, said: “David has been an exceptional servant to Warrington through decades of dedicated reporting.

“He has put countless community causes and groups on the map, helping to shine a light on many successes within the borough.”

David’s son and Warrington Worldwide co-founder, Gary Skentelbery, said: “It is an absolute honour to see my father receive this recognition.

“He is probably the most modest person I have ever met in my life and will be wondering why he has been given this award for ‘doing his job’.

“He has helped to change the face of the media, spending thousands of hours working in the council chambers over many years, ensuring local people knew what was happening in the corridors of power.

“His invaluable support, working behind the scenes, in the engine room, enabled me to get out and about in the community, ensuring the people of Warrington get a free, independent news source, seven days a week, 365 days of the year.

"None of this would have been possible without my father’s dedication and commitment to Warrington.”