Six of the best in the town are to be awarded the Freedom of Bury title for their achievements - the highest civic honour the borough can give to someone.
Itzik Alterman, known as Ike, a Holocaust survivor who uses his experiences to do vital education work about the atrocity during the Second World War will receive the prestigious award.
Two months ago at an event at The Fed in Prestwich, the inspirational 94-year-old, who lives in Whitefield, reflected on the positives he has experienced in his life despite the horrific times he faced during the war.
He said: “I've learned to love and appreciate what I have, I have two wonderful daughters, two grandchildren and was happily married to Myra for over 30 years and I bless the day that six years after she died, I met my partner Diane, who has been with me for 25 years.”
READ > Whitefield Holocaust survivor shares a glimpse of his heartbreaking past
Akram Baig, chief executive of the Jinnah Day Care Centre in Bury which, among other activities, provides care to the area’s elderly Asian community, will be honoured too.
The council previously agreed to grant freedom of the borough to England's World Cup star Kieran Trippier and will now bring this forward.
The Newcastle right back is set to be a major part of the national team's squad in Qatar, with the Three Lions' first game kicking off against Iran on Monday.
READ > Kieran Trippier to be awarded the freedom of Bury for England World Cup heroics
The list, agreed this week by the council’s cabinet, includes three former councillors who were all mayors of Bury - Roy Walker, who represented Church ward for 40 years, Trevor Holt, East ward councillor for 37 years and Dorothy Gunther, a councillor for 27 years, latterly for North Manor.
Among the recipients in recent years are film director Danny Boyle, the band Elbow and the late Colonel Eric Davidson.
For candidates to be considered they must be able to demonstrate a strong and continuing connection with, and commitment to, the borough or have made a major contribution to national life and have enhanced the reputation of the borough.
This might be in the fields of artistic and cultural endeavours, business, economic growth and prosperity, charitable work, improvement to the built and natural environment, religious and spiritual life, sports activities and civic service.
Arrangements are being made to hold the ceremony in the next two months.
Read more stories below:
- Bury: Fresh 'bullying' row between Yvonne Wright and ex colleagues.
- Bury children's services remains 'inconsistent', says Ofsted.
- Gender pay gap sees Bury men work more than 6 days for free.
If you have a story tweet @BuryTimes or @Alicegerrard157 or email alice.gerrard@newsquest.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here