A BUSKER has been given the freedom of the borough of Redcar and Cleveland.

Wheelchair-bound accordian player Norman Evans has raised more than £250,000 for charity in the past 25 years.

Yesterday Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council honoured him by giving the 61-year-old the freedom of the borough.

The grandfather of nine was awarded the MBE for his charity work in 1998.

He said: "It was just unreal. It made me feel as though everything had a purpose in my life."

"It's nice to be recognised by the Queen, but it is just as nice to be recognised by the people in your home town."

Mr Evans, who lives in Marske, said: "Music to me is my life, it really is. It keeps me alive. I spend every minute of the day playing and listening, learning. I have a shed full of music and I just love entertaining people.

"By me giving joy to them, they give joy to me. When I was asked to collect for multiple sclerosis a lot of years ago by shaking a tin, I said 'No - I'll play my accordion'; and it proved very successful and the money came rolling in."

Councillor Vilma Collins, who proposed Mr Evans for the honour, said: "I think Norman is remarkable. His achievements have been tremendous, battling against adversity, to help dozens of good causes locally.

"And I believe he deserves the highest honour the borough can bestow on him."