Lioness celebrated with a star

Wigan borough’s homegrown Lioness, Ella Toone, has been recognised with a prestigious Believe Star outside Leigh Town Hall.Born close by in Tyldesley, the trailblazing footballer has gone on to achieve international acclaim, including scoring a goal in the final of the European Championship at Wembley in 2022 where England were victorious by beating Germany 2-1to lift the trophy.Ella, who has played for Manchester United Women team since 2018 and recently won the Women’s FA Cup for the first time scoring another fantastic goal at Wembley said: “This is a a brilliant moment for me and my family. I never once thought I’d be recognised in this way in my home borough, but I’m really proud to be here today.“Women’s football is massive for giving girls and boys equal opportunities, and I’m happy to be part of a team leading the way and breaking down barriers for everyone to get involved in playing football.”Believe Stars have been awarded to notable community and sporting heroes hailing from Wigan Borough since 2012, with two sites including on Believe Square, Wigan, and on Civic Square, Leigh.Ella’s star was announced on International Women’s Day, along with Olympian Keely Hodgkinson’s which was presented earlier this year