Echo journalist Peter Brown has become only the fourth honorary member of Lincoln's oldest organisation.

Peter, (60), has joined the Freemen's Gild, which was formed in 1893.

He was invited to join in recognition of what he has done to promote and preserve Lincoln's heritage through his columns.

Peter, who has worked at the Echo for 39 years under 10 different editors, said he was shocked to have been given the honour.

But Lincoln-born Peter said he was delighted that a gild which has roots dating back to 1042 has admitted its first clown - his alter ego Pedro.

Peter has been a journalist since he joined the Lincolnshire Chronicle as a 17-year-old reporter.

He started at the Echo in 1966 - and says he never looked back.

"I've worked under 10 Echo editors and there are only 14 in the history of the paper," he said.

"I have always enjoyed the job. I like working in Lincoln - all the family are here and I've always been happy here."

Peter is also known in his guise as Pedro the Clown, who has been making guest appearances and entertaining children up and down the country for 16 years.

But for hundreds of people, Peter is the voice of the city and his Gossiper and The Way We Were columns have a loyal following.

Peter said: “When this honour was announced I got some lovely cards from people I barely knew. I've made a lot of friends over the years.

"I can't believe I have been given this honour. I am the first journalist to become an honorary Freeman of Lincoln - and certainly the first clown."

Lincoln Mayor Adelle Ellis said: "Peter gives so much to this city and it's wonderful that he is being recognised in this way.

"He is a true ambassador for Lincoln."