Chris Kamara: Former footballer to be awarded Freedom of Wakefield

Chris Kamara will receive the honour at a ceremony on 15 May

Footballer turned pundit Chris Kamara said being awarded the freedom of the city he has called home for more than 30 years is "unbelievable".

Kamara, 66, will be presented with the honour by Wakefield Council in West Yorkshire on 15 May for his charity work.

He said: "Freedom of the city for Shaky Wakey - unbelievable!"

Over the years he has worked to raise money for charities including Marie Curie and Show Racism the Red Card.

More recently, Kamara, who was born and raised in Middlesbrough, has been instrumental in raising awareness for apraxia after being diagnosed with the speech condition in 2022.

The former footballer was awarded MBE in the New Year's Honours list

He said: "I have lived in Wakefield longer than anywhere else. We came here in 1990 and 34 years later we are still here.

"The people and the places are amazing, and we will never leave Wakefield. All my family are here and it will always be our home.

"That is why this means so much to me, I'm blown away by it."

Council leader Denise Jeffery said Kamara, who played for Swindon, Brentford, Leeds and and Bradford among others, was "a true ambassador" for the city.

"We couldn't ask for a more down to earth and genuine person to award this to.

"His contribution to charity and our city really is - unbelievable," she added

Kamara, who also guided the Bantams to promotion as boss, was appointed MBE in the 2023 New Year's Honours list for services to football, anti-racism and charity.

The Mayor of Wakefield, councillor Josie Pritchard, will present the award at a civic ceremony followed by a private reception in his honour.

She said: "Chris is a local and national legend and an inspiration to so many people. We are absolutely delighted to be giving him the highest honour we can bestow - Freedom of the City.

"He has been a massive supporter of many charities, raising millions and making a difference to the lives of many.

"Locally, he is an active supporter of Wakefield Hospice, Andy's Man Club and Pinderfields Hospital, to name but a few."