WRITER Denise Robertson, former motor magnate Sir Tom Cowie and Dr Ram Banerjee, a leading local medic and volunteer with the Territorial Army's field hospital service are to be given the freedom of Sunderland.

The council's cabinet agreed to confer the honour on the trio for the first time since Sunderland gained city status in 1992.

Ms Robertson, best known for her role as resident agony aunt of ITV's Good Morning programme, won her nomination in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the city through her writing, charitable work and her, "unstinting support and promotion" of the city.

Sir Tom's nomination was made to mark his outstanding contributions to economic development and education in the city.

As founder of the Cowie motor company, which led to the development of the Arriva group, Sir Tom found fame, while also serving as a former chairman of the city's football club, which he still supports.

Indian-born Dr Banerjee, who came to Britain in 1964, has received many accolades for his work in the health service and in public life as chairman of Sunderland Volunteer Bureau.

Sir Tom said: "I'm 83, still working five days a week and enjoying life immensely."

Ms Robertson said news of the honour came as a surprise.

"When I was told, I burst into tears because it was such a shock. I never remotely thought about it, but I'm thrilled."