Actor Robert Lindsay gets Freedom of the Borough of Erewash

Lindsay was given the award, which he described as "the icing on the cake", in the council chambers at Erewash

Actor Robert Lindsay, known for his TV role as Citizen Smith, has been presented with the Freedom of the Borough of Erewash.

The 66-year-old, who was born in Ilkeston, Derbyshire is also renowned for his Shakespearean theatre roles.

Hundreds of people lined the street in the rain and later packed the council chamber for the public ceremony.

Mr Lindsay rose to fame as Wolfie Smith in the 1970s sitcom wearing a beret as leader of the Tooting Popular Front.

He also starred in sitcom 'My Family' and is also the recipient of a BAFTA, a Tony Award, and three Olivier Awards.

Mr Lindsay becomes the second person to receive the honour after cycling boss Dave Brailsford in 2012.

Robert Lindsay starred as Citizen Smith in the comedy of the same name on the BBC in the 1970s

He was presented with a Badge of Office medal and an ornate framed scroll at the public ceremony in Ilkeston.

He said he felt "emotional" when he was given the award, adding he now feels "quite nostalgic" about his hometown.

The award was "the icing on the cake" of his career, he added.

"I live down in London but my heart is still here - I can still speak the accent. And I've not really lost my roots."

As well as appearing in sitcoms, Lindsay made a name for himself on the stage, seen here with Emma Thompson in Me and My Girl at the Adelphi Theatre in London

Lindsay continues to appear on stage, including the recent performance of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at Alford House, Kennington, London with Samantha Bond, Rufus Hound, John Marquez and Katherine Kingsley

Robert Lindsay

Robert Lindsay with his wife former TV presenter Rosemarie Ford

• Born Robert Lindsay Stevenson on December 13, 1949, in Ilkeston, the eldest of three children.

• Attended Gladstone Boys' School before studying drama in Nottingham and was accepted into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

• He moved to London in his late teens

• His lead role in the musical, Me and My Girl, won him multiple awards.

Robert Lindsay starred with Zoe Wanamaker in the BBC sitcom My Family which ran from 2000 to 2011