Super Saint Smith nominated for Freedom of the Borough status in home town

Michael Smith (Kieran Cleeves, PDC)

World Champion Michael Smith has received further local recognition after being nominated for Freedom of the Borough status by St Helens council.

Smith's achievement in winning the World Championship two months ago, and becoming world number one on the PDC Order of Merit in the process, has received huge global headlines.

The success has also been widely celebrated in Smith's home town, where he has now received recognition in a Borough of Culture launch, with St Helens Borough Council Leader Councillor David Baines announcing Smith's nomination to recognise his sporting services to the town.

"Michael Smith's win in January captured the imagination and attention of everyone in St Helens and of sports fans everywhere," said Baines.

"It was actually his second world title, having won the PDC World Youth Championship in 2013 - and he is the only player to have won both.

"His humble nature, his professionalism, dedication and skill is an example to all of us and he has inspired all of us and an entirely new generation of darts fans.

"He wears the red vee with pride, and we are delighted to nominate him for our borough's highest honour."

Smith has been recognised alongside St Helens rugby league captain James Roby, local MP Marie Rimmer CBE and the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment to receive the Freedom of the Borough status.

"Everyone knows how proud I am to represent St Helens on the world stage in darts and this means a lot to me," said Smith.

"Knowing that I'm being recognised by my home town as well as fans around the world is important as I know how much sport means to St Helens people and they share the success we have."

The nomination will go to full council for formal approval at the earliest opportunity, with the Freedom of the Borough scroll to be presented at a special event later in the year.