THE brains behind the success of the Great North Run is to be honoured.

Tyneside-born Brendan Foster is to be awarded the Freedom of the City of Newcastle.

More than one million people have taken part in the annual half marathon from Newcastle to South Shields since it was first staged in 1981 and it is estimated to be worth £15m a year to the region’s economy.

On Wednesday night, members of Newcastle City Council voted to bestow the city’s highest honour on the Olympic bronze medal winner.

Councillors also voted to grant the Freedom of the City to architect Sir Terry Farrell CBE, who designed buildings including the International Centre for Life and Great North Museum in the city, as well as the MI6 headquarters in London and the KK100 tower in Shenzhen, China.

Councillor Nick Forbes, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said “Both Brendan and Sir Terry have made a lasting impact on our city.

“Brendan has made the Great North Run the greatest half marathon in the world and inspired generations of people to be more active. He is one of our region’s cultural and sporting ambassadors.

“Sir Terry is one of the most innovative and inspirational architectural designers of a generation and the difference he has in our city will be appreciated for years to come”.