The all-rounder would be honoured for his "services and accomplishments in the field of cricket" if the city council approves the plans on Thursday.

Only 22 people were given the honour in the last century, including footballer Sir Tom Finney in 1979 and animator Nick Park in 1997.

Mayor Bikhu Patel said Flintoff is an excellent ambassador and role model.

England cricket captain Michael Vaughan has called the 27-year-old, nicknamed Freddie, a sporting hero.

He was named man-of-the-match after England's fourth Test victory over Australia at Trent Bridge.

The Prestonian was a pupil at Greenland County Primary School and Ribbleton High School, now called City of Preston High.

The honour has no real privileges and is regarded as an award to men or women of note who have lived or worked in the city.

Freemen take precedence on ceremonial occasions, such as Remembrance Sunday, when they are allowed to walk ahead of councillors in processions.

In the 1800s freemen were given ancient privileges and were allowed to herd their sheep on Moor Park.