THIS column has in its two years criticised and praised the council in equal measure.

I have also campaigned for the Freedom of the Borough to be used more.

I urge Wirral Council to dust off the cobwebs and recognise more frequently those who make Wirral proud.

Top of my list would be PC David Phillips.

So I, for one, applaud the decision to award the Freedom of the Borough to the late constable.

I have read all the comments online – some attacking the council for adding to the family's grief – and I respect the opinions of others but I feel this is a fine and fitting tribute to the local hero who was killed in a hit-and-run while he was out serving the community in his us line of duty.

I believe the timing is right.

When you see the scrolls of honour in town halls across the country commemorating the fallen in two world wars, it is a reminder that there are ordinary, brave people who are rightly remembered for serving their country.

I do not believe – as some have angrily posted – that the decision to honour David Phillips is political point scoring.

I witnessed the remarkable dignified service at the Anglican Cathedral. I read every report and comment from the family.

I saw the floral tributes left by the roadside.

In May, PC David Phillips will be remembered as a hero.

Some have said it is too soon. I disagree.

We live in an age where people want things done now.

Within hours of Cilla Black, David Bowie and Terry Wogan's deaths there were calls for statues.

David's widow Jen says she is living a nightmare.

If this honour in some small way eases her pain then it is the right and decent thing to do.

He made Wirral proud. Lest we forget.

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COMEDIAN Eddie Izzard is a multi-talented man I admire.

Not only for his incredible stage and telly work but for his stamina.

To run 27 marathons in 27 days in aid of Sport Relief was no laughing matter, but after his first attempt failed attempt he was determine to do it.

It was heart-warming to see him tired yet triumphant standing underneath Nelson Mandela's statue in South Africa.

Just like fellow charity walkers John Bishop and Joe Brand here is a celebrity who deserved to be celebrated for using his star status to maximum effect.

Currently people are enjoying the film about ski star Eddie the Eagle.

Producers should now make a film of Eddie the "Blizzard Izzard."

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AS the recent National Union of Teachers conference highlighted, our dedicated teaching staff feel undervalued.

Like our nurses, policemen and other public servants we need to acknowledge them.

My cousin Paul was knighted for his service to education.

As a previous Headmaster of the Year, his school and family were proud to see him also invited to Number 10.

Like most visionary people Sir Paul wants education to be fun as well as rewarding.

So I give full marks to the forthcoming Wirral Globe School Awards.

It will celebrate all that is good about the borough’s schools.

Wirral has some fine institutions being recognised by Ofsted. Now it is time to nominate those who deserve it.

Reading the Globe each week it is encouraging to see so many children with their academic achievements.

Getting an award is always great motivation. It shows that we care for those who care for us.

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AND finally ... I am looking forward to seeing Kendall's Kings at the Floral Pavilion on August 4.

Football expert John Keith will score again with his soccer-based show this time for Howard Kendall.

Colin Harvey and Kevin Sheedy will be joined by Peter Reid. What a striking squad.

I hope passionate Peter is on his best behaviour.

I once interviewed him when he was manager of Sunderland where he featured in a fly-on-the-wall documentary.

Peter's foul-mouthed outbursts were a tabloid talking point.

The likeable star later told me he regretted turning the air blue because his aunt in Liverpool watched it.

I remember my headline ... Blue Peter.

Peter Grant