Kelvin Bray will become only the 24th person in 114 years to be given the ceremonial honour, at a special event at the city's Guildhall on Monday.

He was at the forefront in setting up Ruston Gas Turbines - now part of Siemens - which is one of the largest employers in Lincoln.

He also played a major part in the development of the city's university.

'Enormous privilege'

Mr Bray said: "It is not only a great honour, which I am very proud to accept, but it is also fairly rare.

"It's an enormous privilege to be on the same list as the very distinguished people who appear there."

Previous recipients include Lord Tennyson and Field Marshall William Robert Robertson.

Julie Duxbury, civic and executive office manager at the city council, said: "The freedom of the city is a tremendous honour bestowed to celebrate organisations and individuals who have served their country as well as their city."