Liverpool’s Flo Clucas is knighted by the Italians

Dec 11 2009 Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL’S deputy council leader has been awarded one of Italy’s highest honours.

Cllr Flo Clucas will receive the Italian equivalent of a knighthood for her work to bring communities in the city and Italy closer together.

Giorgio Napolitano, the Italian President, will officially make Cllr Clucas a “Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella della Solidarieta` Italiana” on December 17 at the Italian consul in Manchester.

Cllr Clucas said: “I am delighted to be receiving this award, and am a bit taken aback.

“I have enjoyed immensely working with the Italian consulate, strengthening the Merseyside links with Italian cities, regions and people.

“I am really looking forward to the ceremony.” The Liberal Democrat councillor was awarded an OBE by the Queen in 2005, “for services to the community of Merseyside”.

Cllr Clucas, who has Italian ancestry, was a key player in organising for a plaque to be placed at Liverpool’s Pier Head to commemorate the sinking of the SS Arandora Star in 1940.

The liner was torpedoed off the Irish coast by a German submarine on its journey from Liverpool to Newfoundland.

More than 800 people lost their lives, including many Italian internees and prisoners of war who were travelling to internment camps.