JANUARY DATE FOR FREEDOM

LIAM Neeson will take to the red carpet in Ballymena next month for a very special star turn in his home town.

January 28 has been confirmed as the date when he will take on a completely new role - one bestowed on him by Ballymena Council - Freeman of the Borough.

The local authority unanimously agreed to offer the Oscar nominated actor ‘freedom’ status at their meeting on November 5 on the proposal of SDLP Mayor, Alderman PJ McAvoy, and he accepted.

In a message of response to council, the Ballymena native said that he was “honoured” and “delighted” to accept.

It is understood Liam, who is currently working in New York on his latest big screen thriller, “Non Stop”, will arrive in Ballymena on January 28 for the ceremony which will be led by the Mayor.

A celebratory civic luncheon will follow for specially invited guests and it is expected that Liam’s mother, Kitty, his sisters, and other members of the Neeson family circle will be invited to attend the glittering reception.

The Freedom of Ballymena Borough has only previously been given to three other people - former First Minister Ian Paisley, rugby legend Syd Millar and former mayor of Ballymena Sandy Spence.