See Jade Thirlwall's joy at home town honour

The moment popstar Jade Thirlwall received her home borough's highest honour has been captured in a series of photographs from the ceremony.

The former Little Mix singer was presented with the award by South Tyneside Council earlier this month, for her commitment to the place she grew up.

Thirlwall, 33, who was born and raised in South Shields, said she was a "proud Sand Dancer" and no where she had ever performed compared to her home town.

Pictures from the event showed the Brit Award winner as she joyously accepted the honour along with a piece of artwork, which depicted important moments in her life.

"I'm a proud Sand Dancer from South Tyneside and no matter how far I travel, no matter where I perform in the world, it doesn't compare to where I come from," she said.

The star, who released her debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby in September, performed alongside the Royal Northern Sinfonia during the summer at the Glasshouse in Gateshead as part of BBC Proms.

Also bestowed the freedom of the borough was Richard Ord, the owner of South Shields-based Colmans Fish and Chips.

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.