AN USK business owner has been granted the freedom of the town, the highest honour the town can bestow.

Jean Williams, who runs the Sweets fishing tackle shop in Usk, was given the rare honour of receiving the Honorary Burgess’ of Usk in a special occasion at Sessions House in Usk last week.

It was a very special occasion, attended by officials of Usk Town Council, family and friends and representatives of the Brownies of whom she is a Brown Owl. Jean thanked the council for such an honour and detailed her life in Usk.

She began as an assistant to Lionel Sweet, a famous fisherman who was fly fishing Champion of Europe in Scarborough 1953, holding the title for nearly 20 years.

When he died in 1978, Jean and her husband bought the business. Since then, Jean has become hugely popular in the fishing world with enquiries about the local river conditions and her wisdom on fish and the different flies to use.

Her customers have included Sir Gareth Edwards, Billy Connelly and Timothy Dalton. It hasn’t sunk in yet, she added, “I am very very honoured and will carry out my duties with diligence and pride.”