The moment popstar Jade Thirlwall received her home borough’s highest honour has been captured in a series of photographs from the ceremony.
The former Little Mix singer was presented with the award by South Tyneside Council earlier this month, for her commitment to the place she grew up.
Thirlwall, 33, who was born and raised in South Shields, said she was a “proud Sand Dancer” and no where she had ever performed compared to her home town.
Pictures from the event showed the Brit Award winner as she joyously accepted the honour along with a piece of artwork, which depicted important moments in her life.