Michael Vaughan: yet more honours await England's captain © Getty Images Enlarge

Last week it was Andrew Flintoff in Preston, this week, it's the turn of Michael Vaughan. He is to be honoured with the freedom of the city of Sheffield, after becoming the first England captain for 20 years to regain the Ashes.

Vaughan will become only the sixth honorary freeman of the South Yorkshire city, once famous for its steel industry. He joins an illustrious list that includes Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela.

The city's Lord Mayor, Roger Davison, told AFP: "It's great for Sheffield that Michael has led England to this success in such a spectacular manner. His leadership has made everyone in the city immensely proud, and he fully deserves the honour of freedom of the city."

Last week, Flintoff appeared particularly chuffed with his new status, telling reporters: "That means I can drive a flock of sheep through the town centre, drink for free in no less than 64 pubs, and get a lift home with a policemen when I become inebriated. What more could you want?"