Two pillars of the community have become the first to receive Bishop Auckland’s highest civic honour at a landmark ceremony.
Dame Susan Snowdon DCVO and Dr Robert McManners were awarded the Freedom of the Town in the inaugural ceremony held by Bishop Auckland Town Council, marking the beginning of a new tradition.
The event started with a procession from the Clock Tower at Auckland Palace to the Wyatt Arch.
The honourees arrived in a Rolls-Royce, loaned by Kynren, before processing to St Peter's Chapel, accompanied by the Town Clerk and a guest Town Crier.
Councillor Michael Siddle, Mayor of Bishop Auckland, said: "We are delighted that so many residents came along to witness this historic occasion and help make it such a special evening.
"The support shown by our community reflected the importance of this milestone as we honoured two individuals whose contributions to Bishop Auckland have been truly exceptional.
"Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this proud moment in the town's history."
At the chapel, the Mayor and Lord Lieutenant for County Durham, Michael Butterwick, greeted Dame Susan and Dr McManners.
Guests, councillors and dignitaries listened to speeches outlining the achievements of both recipients before they were formally presented with their Freedom scrolls and medals.
The Bishop of Durham, Rick Simpson, welcomed guests to the chapel.
The occasion also included sheep as a nod to the historic right of Freemen to graze animals on common land - an old tradition tied to the Freedom of the Town.
Dr Robert McManners OBE DL said: "To be one of the very first recipients of the Freedom of Bishop Auckland is a great honour for me and is an award of which I'm very proud.
"My early involvement in the town's history was in trying to prevent the loss of the town's heritage buildings through demolition and the stripping of its historical artistic assets.
"Latterly the collaborative creation of the Gemini Collection of Mining Art and Mining Art Gallery gives something back to the town.
"The weight of public support in each case won the day and I would therefore like to dedicate this award to the 'people power' of Bishop Auckland."
Dame Susan Snowdon DCVO also expressed her gratitude.
She said: "I thank Bishop Auckland Town Council most sincerely for conferring the Freedom of Bishop Auckland.
"It is an honour of the highest distinction which touches me deeply and I accept with gratitude and respect.
"It has been a privilege to work with the many organisations and individuals who have worked so hard to shape the future of the town."
The Town Council extended thanks to all who contributed to the event.
This included Kynren for the loan of the Rolls-Royce and sheep, Durham City Charter Trust for the ceremonial robes, and the guest Town Crier who had travelled from Somerset to support the event as a friend of Dame Susan.
The council also thanked the volunteers and organisers who helped bring the event together.
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This first ceremony marks the start of what is intended to become a new civic tradition in Bishop Auckland.
The Town Council said the enthusiastic turnout and support from residents made the inaugural ceremony a fitting and memorable occasion.
It marked a proud moment not only for Dame Susan and Dr McManners, but for the entire community, who gathered to witness and celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in the town’s history.
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