BUCKFASTLEIGH'S first freeman of the town has vowed to walk a flock of sheep through the town before Christmas.

Sandra Coleman is celebrating her unique out-of-the-blue honour by exercising her ancient right to parade with the animals down Fore Street, possibly next month.

Her surprise accolade, kept a closely guarded secret by council chiefs for weeks, was revealed to her at last weekend's celebrations to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the town hall.

Sandra said after the award on Saturday: 'It's really taken me aback. I knew absolutely nothing about it. This has given me the spur to do even more things for the town.'