ROYAL British Legion stalwart Ted Griffiths said he was “flabbergasted” after discovering he was being nominated for one of York’s oldest and most prestigious honours.

Councillors agreed last night to make Ted, 89, an Honorary Freeman of the City of York in recognition of his work during the annual Remembrance Day Parade and Festival of Remembrance.

But Ted, of Heworth, speaking before the meeting, said that while he was delighted by the honour, he had had no idea he was being nominated until being contacted by The Press.

“I am flabbergasted. I am absolutely amazed,” said Ted, who is president of the Legion’s York branch. “I had no idea whatsoever that I was being put forward.

“I often end up finding out what’s happening from The Press, but it’s just as well I’m not going to turn it down!”

Council leader Andrew Waller said he understood that Ted was going to be informed by the Labour group, which nominated him, but Labour group leader David Scott said that council officers were responsible for this.

The two leaders said that all parties had agreed that Ted should be made a Freeman in recognition of the contribution he had made to the life of the city.

Coun Waller said Ted had been involved in the annual parade for 60 years, as well as organising the Festival of Remembrance.

Figures who have been made Freemen in the past include David Lloyd George, Sir Winston Churchill, Dame Judi Dench and the composer John Barry.

The festival, normally held at the Barbican, has raised more than £100,000 for the annual Poppy Appeal over the past couple of decades.

Councillors last night also agreed to make Dr Richard Shephard a Freeman in recognition of his contribution to the Minster and the University of York in a variety of development and academic roles.

Dr Shephard, a composer and practitioner of choral music, was headteacher at the Minster School between 1985 and 2004, when he became Director of Development at York Minster, with his aim being to develop the cathedral’s resources and increase its funding revenue. He was awarded an honorary doctorate last summer by the University of York, where he was a visiting fellow in the Department of Music and was also a member of the University’s Court. Coun Waller said the two would be invited to the Mansion House at a later date to be formally bestowed with their titles.