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Freeman honours for TV presenter

TV presenter Mike Neville looks set to be made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Gateshead, alongside two leading politicians. The former Tyne Tees and BBC broadcaster, who recently announced his retirement from television news, is being put forward as an Honorary Freeman, together with trades unionist Baron Burlison of Rowlands Gill and Baroness Quin of Gateshead, the former MP for Gateshead East and Washington West.Mick Henry, Leader of Gateshead Council, said: “TV presenter is not really adequate to describe Mike - he is a North East institution, but more than that, for many millions across the region he is one of the family. “He has been the friendly face and voice of local TV news for more than four decades. Most people feel they know him even if they have never met him, because his personality comes across from the screen so well. “Generations have grown up with him on both Tyne Tees and BBC, and although he will no longer be presenting the news I am sure we will be seeing more of him in future.“Baroness Quin of Gateshead, served the people of Gateshead as an MEP for ten years and then as an MP from 1987. Tom Burlison is a life-long trades unionist activist, who also played as a professional footballer.The trio will become part of an elite group. Creating an Honorary Freeman of the Borough is a rare event in Gateshead - there have only been 28 appointments since the borough was formed in 1835. The title of Freeman dates back to the 15th Century. The first Honorary Freeman was created in 1906 and there have only been 15 ceremonies to appoint them since then. If the decision to put the three names forward is confirmed it will be formalised at a special meeting later in the year and marked with a formal ceremony. Recently created Honorary Freeman include Olympic triple jump champion Jonathan Edwards, former Council Leader George Gill and former athlete and entrepreneur Brendan Foster.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .