Proud moment: Sir Bobby Robson is made a Freeman of Newcastle

The civic honour is in recognition of his successful career and for his role as an ambassador for the north-east of England and Newcastle.

Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor George Douglas presented the honorary freedom at a ceremony.

Other football stars honoured include Alan Shearer and Jackie Milburn.

Sir Bobby was knighted in 2002 and received an honorary Doctorate in Civil Law from Newcastle University in 2003.

Sir Bobby's name will be engraved on to the wall on the Banqueting Hall along with the 85 previous recipients of the honour.

Personal emotion

He said the award bettered anything he won during his 50--year football career and even tops the knighthood he received from the Queen three years ago.

He said: "When I received my knighthood I really thought that's as good as it gets.

"But I have to say being granted an honorary freedom of the city by the people of Newcastle upon Tyne has to be the most proudest moment of my life and I stand here full of personal emotion and humility.

"My father and mother would be so chuffed and tickled pink at this particular moment and without doubt the best day of all from one of their five sons."

Newcastle legends Alan Shearer, Paul Gascoigne, who was accompanied by Jimmy (Five Bellies) Gardner, and Malcolm Macdonald attended the glittering ceremony to see Sir Bobby receive the Honorary Freeman of the City.

The former Newcastle United will join Toon greats such as Shearer and Jackie Milburn in receiving the award.

Sir Bobby, who was sacked as Newcastle United manager in August, received the title from the city's Lord Mayor in recognition of his outstanding football career.