IT was an emotional evening for Mike Layland who received the Freedom of Worcester in front of family, friends and dignitaries at The Guildhall tonight.

Mr Layland was presented with the framed ornate scroll by mayor cllr Alan Amos before 16-year-old granddaughter Leah Collins had the honour of unveiling the plaque.

He told over 70 guests that he was "so grateful" to become a Freeman of the city - an honour also set to be bestowed on The Queen's Royal Hussars on Thursday.

Speaking after the unveiling, Mr Layland, who served as a councillor for 44 years, said: "It's overwhelming. "It's been very, very emotional.

"My father was a very civic minded person and he used to often look at the names on the plaque.

"It is just amazing that my name has been added to that list. "It is a great honour, and not just for me, but for my family who have always given me 100 per cent support.

"My phone hasn't stopped ringing and I've had that many lovely cards - I didn't realise I had that many supporters."

The 79-year-old attended the function with his wife June and assorted family members.

A round of applause followed the unveiling with many people rushing to congratulate Mr Layland.

Robin Walker MP said Mr Layland had been a true giant of Worcester politics for many years.

"Even now when I go door knocking in Mike's patch in Worcester, so many people say how much good he has done for them.

"Regardless of politics, he has always looked after the public and to be able to achieve over 40 years is fantastic."

Also among those attending the event was cllr Simon Geraghty, leader of Worcester City Council, who said Mr Layland was a barometer of public opinion in Worcester.

"This is a fantastic achievement for Mike. "It is the recognition of a lifetime's service to Worcester.

"I believe Mike appeals to all sides of the political spectrum - he was a Labour councillor and an Independent but many Conservatives also respect what he has done for the city.

"He is highly respected and people genuinely like Mike and I believe he is a real barometer to gauge what is important for people in Worcester.

Cllr Geraghty added it was a unique week for the city with not one but two events to grant the Freedom of Worcester.

As guests began to make their way to be seated for the three-course meal, Cllr Alan Amos, mayor of Worcester reflected on his role in proceedings.

"It has been an absolute pleasure to be able to give the Freedom of the City to Mike Layland.

"He is an almost legendary figure and I am pleased in my ability as mayor to grant him the scroll and see the unveiling of the plaque.

"There are a lot of members of his family and a lot of people here who have known him for a long time and it is clear to see the affection they have for him."

In proposing the toast to the “City of Worcester,” the new Freeman, describing himself as “the Lad from Diglis,” mourned the loss of many of Worcester’s major traditional industries which had existed at the time he was first elected to the council in 1966 – Royal Worcester Porcelain, Heenan and Froude, Hardy and Padmore, Fownes, Dowty Meco, Alley and McLellan.

He was heartened, however, that the High Street and Worcester’s commerce was enjoying a revival and that improvements would continue “to bring the city back to the top of the league.”

He was fearful though, that there might be too much “out of town” development and hoped those with influence would ensure that the city centre did not suffer.