Honours: Sir Bobby, and below, Fenwick Lawson

THREE people are to be honoured with the freedom of Durham City.

There were three notices of motion at Durham City Council's full council meeting, this week, recommending agreement to Sir Bobby Robson, Fenwick Lawson and Dr Bill Bryson all becoming an Honorary Freeman of the City.

Sir Bobby was proposed for his services to sport, charity and his ongoing commitment and support to the local communities of Durham.

The former Newcastle United and England manager, who is battling cancer, set up the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which reached its target of £500,000 in just eight weeks.

Sir Bobby, who was born in Sacriston, has also been named the winner of this year's Hotspur Award by the Northumbrian Association.

Fenwick Lawson was proposed for his dedication to the arts and his contribution to the cultural heritage of Durham.

The sculptor was last week made a Doctor of Letters by Durham University.

He received the honorary degree in Durham Cathedral, where his wooden sculpture The Pieta, depicting the body of Jesus and his mother Mary, is on display.

Dr Bill Bryson was proposed for his services to the arts and tourism, education, and his international commitment and support to the City of Durham.

Dr Bryson, the writer and chancellor of Durham University, is also to receive an honorary degree from Leicester University, when he will be made a Doctor of Letters.

Durham Mayor Grenville Holland said: "It is very unusual for three recommendations to be made in this way, but these are unusual times. In the history of this council we want to mark this important year by honouring three special people to Durham."

Separate ceremonies will be held in the next nine months.

11:20am Friday 4th July 2008

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