THE Lord Mayor of York made four people freemen of the city at a special ceremony.

Jonathan Morley, Neil Morley, Catherine O’Brien and Heather Norman were joined by their family and friends in a celebration at the Mansion House.

The Lord Mayor, Coun Julie Gunnell, said: “This was my first ceremony and I really enjoyed it. It is important that this incredibly strong tradition continues.”

Sisters Catherine and Heather had flown over from Sydney, Australia, for the occasion, as their grandfather had been a Freeman of the city.

Catherine said: “It is an honour to receive this and be part of the tradition.”

The Freedom of the City of York is an honour which dates back to the 13th century. All the children of a Freeman are eligible once they reach the age of 21.

People can also become a Freeman by servitude, serving as an apprentice to a master craftsman for five years. The master craftsman himself is required to be a Freeman of York.