England cricket hero Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff received a hero's welcome when he returned to Preston to be made an honorary Freeman of the City.

Flintoff was bestowed with the honour at a ceremony at Preston Town Hall on Friday where he was given a gown for civic occasions and a framed scroll commemorating the day.

After interviews with the media he made his way to the steps of the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, signing autographs as he went, where he was greeted by the applause and cheers of the adoring crowd, numbering about 400, who braved the cold and wet weather.

In his acceptance speech Flintoff said: "I carry this honour with great pride. Preston is a proud place and I am proud to come from this city and I will try to do my best to do everything I can for this city."

The honour marks the end of a highly successful few months for Flintoff. Since helping to win the Ashes series against Australia in the summer he was awarded BBC Sports Personality of the Year, and then an MBE in the New Year's honours list.

Sandra Gilgrass, 43, of Fulwood Heights, Fulwood, said Flintoff was a true Prestonian and it had been wonderful to meet him and get his autograph.

Anton Andrews, 17, of Ribbleton, added: "He's brilliant, an ambassador for Preston. He's an inspiration to the Preston people, if he can do it so can we."

UCLan student Paul Owen, 19, who got Flintoff to sign his England cricket shirt, said: "I was wearing it the shirt, I had to whip it off to get his signature.

"It feels surreal that I was able to meet him. It's quite weird to shake his hand, they're like shovels."

Flintoff joins footballing legend Sir Tom Finney, and Wallace and Gromit creator, Nick Park, in being given the honour.