GEORDIE panto favourite Berwick Kaler has been offered the ultimate accolade by the city that has taken him to its heart.

As his 25th show approaches, councillors in York unanimously agreed to make him an Honorary Freeman of the City.

Mr Kaler has appeared in a host of television programmes, including Taggart, A Touch of Frost, Auf Weidersehen Pet, Crocodile Shoes, Casualty and Heartbeat. He has also performed in West End shows and films.

But it is his work at the Theatre Royal for which he is regarded with such affection by people in the city.

York's Lord Mayor, Councillor David Horton, proposed the award and won the support of the entire council.

And by coincidence, a second nomination for the award, from actor Jimmy Nail, was received.

Mr Kaler said: "In this age of television, DVDs, and the web, it is refreshing that my work in our local theatre should be recognised as worthy of such a great honour."

Booking for his 25th panto in the city, Mother Goose's Silver Jubilee, opens on Friday, April 25. Tickets can be bought by calling (01904) 623568.