A special meeting of Derby City Council has given Brian Clough the keys to his adopted home.

The outspoken former football manager, who is recovering from a liver transplant, has been made a freeman of Derby.

He became first person to be handed the honour for 35 years when the council unanimously approved the honour on Wednesday evening.

The 67-year-old is fondly remembered for leading Derby to the league championship and taking Nottingham Forest to both the league and European championships.

'Highest honour'

Clough, who has received an OBE, is now the only living freeman of the city and the first individual to receive the award since 1968.

The last two organisations to get the award were the Royal Navy Submarine Service and the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters.

Brian Clough's career

Two England caps as a player in 1959 League Championship as a manager with Derby in 1972 European Cup winners with Nottingham Forest in 1979 and 1980

Clough, who still lives in Derby, led Derby County to the top of the league in the early 1970s.

Teresa Knight, spokeswoman at the council, said: "It doesn't allow him to do anything - like I think in Westminster it allows people to drive sheep across the bridge.

"It is basically the highest honour the city can give."

The honour comes with an illuminated scroll and a porcelain casket.

Council leader Chris Williamson said: "Brian Clough's footballing achievements are legendary in Derby and throughout the UK.

"Even when he went to manage Nottingham Forest, he never forgot his roots here in Derby.

"He is still loved by the people of Derby and it is only fitting that we should discuss giving him the highest honour the city can bestow, which in my view is long overdue."

It is planned the former manager will receive the honour at the council's annual general meeting on 21 May.