Darts world champion Michael "Bully Boy" Smith was among those granted freedom of the borough in St Helens.
The 32-year-old made headlines in January, after he defeated Michael Van Gerwen in a stunning final to take home the PDC World Championship trophy. His triumph was watched by millions around the world, with his astonishing nine-dart finish en-route to victory going viral
Being granted "freedom of the borough" is an honorary title, and the highest honour councils can grant. Now ranked world number one, Bully Boy went on to take home the Bahrain Darts Masters just weeks later, firmly placing St Helens on the global sports radar.