Sam Fender honoured with hometown freeman title

The 31-year-old is believed to be the youngest ever recipient of the award

Singer Sam Fender has been described as "more than a musician" as councillors voted to award him the freedom of his home town borough.

Members from across the political spectrum lined up at North Tyneside Council on Thursday to unanimously bestow the North Shields artist its highest honour.

The three-time Brit Award winner was nominated back in January by Tory councillors who praised both his music and philanthropy.

Conservative opposition leader, Councillor Liam Bones, dubbed Fender "a proper 21st century Geordie icon", while Mayor Karen Clark called the 31-year-old - believed to be the youngest person to receive the title - "a positive role model".

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the original nomination read: "Sam Fender is more than just a musician – he is a cultural ambassador for North Tyneside.

"His music has helped define the borough's modern identity and his influence is a driving force behind the growing recognition of North Shields as a creative hub.

"His ongoing commitment to the area through advocacy, philanthropy and inspiration makes him an outstanding candidate."

Fender, whose latest album sold 100,000 copies in its opening week, follows ex-Police singer Sting as a Freeman of the Borough.

He was given the honour in 2010, but only officially collected it in 2023.