Burnley Council has formally recognised four people for their outstanding contribution to the borough and its communities at a meeting of Full Council held at Burnley Town Hall on Wednesday 23rd September.
At the meeting, Her Honour Judge Sara Dodd was appointed Honorary Recorder of the Borough of Burnley, while Warrant Officer Lee Hargreaves, Mr Billy Allott and Mr David Bristow were awarded Certificates of Honour.
The awards recognise years of service spanning the judiciary, Remembrance, the Armed Forces community, the Royal British Legion and Burnley’s civic and naval traditions.
Her Honour Judge Sara Dodd – Honorary Recorder of Burnley
Born in Burnley and having lived in and around the borough throughout her life, Her Honour Judge Sara Dodd has strong personal and professional connections with the town.
She was appointed as Circuit Judge in October 2016 and is based at Burnley Combined Court on Hammerton Street. Since her appointment, Judge Dodd has been a passionate supporter of local justice in the Burnley area, regularly representing the Lancashire judiciary at civic events and helping young people in the borough to learn more about the courts and justice system.
The position of Honorary Recorder is an unpaid, ceremonial office which helps maintain and develop close links between the judiciary and civic institutions. Burnley last bestowed the honour in 2013. The appointment is intended to strengthen communication between the courts and the Council and support safer and stronger communities.
Warrant Officer Lee Hargreaves – Certificate of Honour
Warrant Officer Lee Hargreaves has dedicated more than a decade of voluntary service to supporting Burnley’s Remembrance commemorations and a wide range of significant community events.
Since 2015, he has worked closely with Burnley Borough Council as Parade Marshal for the annual Remembrance Day Parade, playing a key role in ensuring the event is delivered with professionalism, dignity, and the highest standards of organisation. He also leads the establishment of the Remembrance Garden each year, coordinating volunteers and overseeing the placement of more than 3,500 Remembrance crosses in preparation for the commemorations.
In addition, Warrant Officer Hargreaves has been actively involved in the organisation of Padiham on Parade since 2017, serving as Parade Marshal and working collaboratively with the organising team to ensure the event’s continued success. His wider voluntary commitments include supporting the Royal Air Force Air Cadets nationally and locally at 352 (Burnley) Squadron since 2006, assisting with the annual Poppy Appeal, and facilitating Men’s Mental Health sessions with Andy’s Man Club Burnley.
This Certificate of Honour recognises Warrant Officer Hargreaves’, of Royal Air Force Coningsby, outstanding and longstanding contribution to the Burnley community, and the significant role he has played in supporting Remembrance activities and civic events across the borough.
Billy Allott – Certificate of Honour
Billy Allott has given many years of voluntary service to the Royal British Legion and Burnley and Padiham’s Armed Forces community.
Most recently Chairman of the Royal British Legion’s Burnley and Padiham Branch, Billy has held a number of positions during his years with the organisation, including Secretary and Vice Chair. He has also served as Chairman of the East Lancashire Group and represented the Royal British Legion County Committee.
His Certificate of Honour recognises that sustained contribution as he prepares to step down from his role with the branch. The nomination praised the years Billy has devoted to the Royal British Legion and his voluntary work within the community.
Billy has also played an active part in keeping Remembrance at the heart of community life locally. The Burnley and Padiham branch of the Royal British Legion has identified him as its Branch Chairman and webmaster, with the branch supporting Remembrance, veterans and the wider Armed Forces community.
David Bristow – Certificate of Honour
With his own experience in the Royal Navy, Burnley Council Civic Officer David Bristow played a key role in securing the formal affiliation of HMS Active with Burnley. David helped establish the contacts and relationships needed to restore the town’s historic connection with HMS Active as the new ship was brought into service.
His nomination highlighted the pride he has shown in maintaining Burnley’s connection with the Royal Navy, as well as the support and advice he provides through his civic role and his wider dedication to service.
The Royal Navy has confirmed that the new HMS Active, one of its Inspiration-class Type 31 frigates, will be affiliated with Burnley and Wolverhampton, continuing Burnley’s connection with the name HMS Active.
His Worshipful the Mayor of Burnley, Councillor Saeed Chaudhary, said:
“It is a privilege to recognise four people who have each made an important contribution to Burnley in very different ways.
“From our relationship with the judiciary to Remembrance, the Royal British Legion, our Armed Forces community and Burnley’s proud connection with the Royal Navy, their service reflects many different aspects of life in our borough.
“I am delighted to welcome Her Honour Judge Sara Dodd as Honorary Recorder of Burnley and to see Lee Hargreaves, Billy Allott and David Bristow recognised with Certificates of Honour.
“On behalf of the borough, I would like to thank them all for their dedication and service to Burnley.”
Councillor Saeed Chaudhary is Mayor of Burnley for the 2026/27 municipal year.
Post expires at 1:52pm on Thursday December 24th, 2026