Neil Baldwin and Gordon Banks win Stoke-on-Trent freedom

Neil "Nello" Baldwin and Gordon Banks have been honoured by the city council

An ex-clown and a World Cup-winning goalkeeper have been given the freedom of Stoke-on-Trent.

Neil "Nello" Baldwin - former Stoke City kit man and mascot - and Gordon Banks, England's 1966 goalkeeper and Stoke City president, have been honoured by the city council.

Mr Baldwin, 69, was the subject of a BBC film Marvellous, which won two Baftas earlier this month.

Stoke City said it was "delighted" with the honour.

Neil Baldwin worked as a kit man at Stoke City between 1991 and 1993

Banks, 77, was capped 73 times for England. Among his achievements was a "wonder save" from Pele during the 1970 World Cup match against Brazil.

He spent five seasons with Stoke City and lives in the area.

Mr Baldwin, who has learning difficulties, is a lifelong fan of the club.

During the early 1990s, he struck up a friendship with then-manager Lou Macari who gave him a job as kit man and mascot.

The story of his rise to legendary status at the club was dramatised in Marvellous, which starred Toby Jones and won Best Single Drama at the Baftas.

World Cup winner Gordon Banks made many famous saves for England

Both men were nominated for the freedom of Stoke-on-Trent by members of the city council in October.

They have been presented with the honour by Deputy Lord Mayor Kath Banks.

Potteries pop star Robbie Williams was the last person to be awarded the freedom of Stoke-on-Trent in July.

Lord Mayor Majid Khan presented Robbie Williams with a commemorative scroll

Stoke City said in a statement: "The dramatisation of Neil's life in Marvellous really painted Stoke City and the city of Stoke-on-Trent in such a positive light.

"He's a wonderful ambassador for the club and the city and proof a positive outlook on life can help you overcome anything.

"We're delighted that Neil has been awarded the freedom of the city of Stoke-on-Trent - it's an honour he thoroughly deserves."