The city of Lancaster broke with tradition to honour a local legend – all thanks to the Lancaster and Morecambe Citizen.

Motorcycle legend John McGuinness was granted the highest honour the city can bestow on a member of the public, when he was made an Honorary Freeman of the City.

The award to John, widely regarded as the best road racer in the world, follows on from a Citizen campaign to honour the hero.

Hundreds of readers returned coupons in support of the racer while thousands of people worldwide voted for Jim in a website poll.

Lancaster City Council listened to the people and decided to make him a Freeman.

The Isle of Man TT legend – he is third in the all-time list of winners in the 100-year-old series – received the honour at a special meeting of the council.

The newspaper launched the campaign after his stunning achievements around the world.

It also meant a busy day for chief reporter Matt Donlan, who was interviewed on BBC Radio Lancashire, while the paper’s 6pm deadline was extended in order to get the story and picture in the Wednesday edition.

John is the first sportsman to be awarded Honorary Freedom of the City.