ENGLAND rugby star Jonny Wilkinson is to be granted the Freedom of the City of Newcastle, it was confirmed last night.
The accolade was unanimously backed at a special meeting of Newcastle city councillors "in recognition of his sporting achievements and in particular, the key role which he has played in England's Rugby World Cup success in Australia".
Bestowing an Honorary Freedom on an individual or a group is the highest honour the city can make. Previous recipients have included Nelson Mandela, Jonathan Edwards, Alan Shearer, and Cardinal Basil Hume.
The city council will now liaise with Wilkinson, his family and his Newcastle Falcons team to arrange a convenient date and venue for the ceremony.
The council leader, Councillor Tony Flynn, said: "This honour is the highest accolade the city can give to anyone, and Jonny Wilkinson is the ideal candidate to receive it."
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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 hereComments are closed on this article