Sam Fender to be awarded Freedom of North Tyneside
Sam Fender is set to be given the Freedom of the Borough of North Tyneside.
The North Shields-born singer-songwriter will be bestowed North Tyneside Council's highest honour after councillors unanimously voted in favour of the move.
The 31-year-old was nominated by Conservative councillors in January. The nomination read: "Sam Fender is more than just a musician – he is a cultural ambassador for North Tyneside.
"His music has helped define the borough's modern identity, and his influence has been a driving force behind the growing recognition of North Shields as a creative hub.
"His ongoing commitment to the area, through advocacy, philanthropy, and inspiration, makes him an outstanding candidate for the Freedom of the Borough."
Karen Clark, newly elected Mayor of North Tyneside, described him as a a strong and powerful advocate for North Shields and North Tyneside" while Conservative opposition leader Councillor Liam Bones called him "a proper 21st century Geordie Icon".
Fender will become the youngest person to receive the honour - beating his own childhood hero Alan Shearer, who was 34 when he was given the civic award.
The Brit Award-winning artist is promoting his latest album People Watching, which sold more than 100,000 copies in its opening week and propelling him to the top of the UK albums chart.
He will play three sold out homecoming gigs at St James' Park stadium in Newcastle in June.
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