Three of Leicester's treasured personalities were given a standing ovation last night as they accepted the city's highest honour.

Hundreds watched with pride as Foxes legend Alan Birchenall, singer Engelbert Humperdinck and author Sue Townsend received the Honorary Freedom of Leicester at a ceremony at De Montfort Hall.

Fans of the three local legends turned out in droves to see their heroes on stage, joining sporting stars, civic dignitaries, councillors and previous recipients of the honour, including Rosemary Conley, Sir Alec Jeffreys and Dr Frank May.

Waving a "Well Done Birchy" banner from the stalls were a group from Greens Gym, in Abbey Lane.

Cindy Smith, 43, said: "We see Birch down the gym so we've come to support him. He really deserves it. He's done a lot for the city over the years."

Two of Engelbert's sisters, Patricia Loseby and Tilly Sutherland, were among many family members who turned out to support the superstar singer.

Patricia, from Quorn, said: "We're very proud of him. It's a big honour."

Marie Johnson, 87, travelled with her daughters from Nuneaton to see Engelbert receive the honour.

She said: "I love everything about him. I met him in his local once and he put his arm round me. He's wonderful."

Sue Stretton and Maureen Cooper were also there to see the Please Release Me crooner.

Maureen, 65, from the Blackbird Road area, said: "I'm a big fan.

"I do like Alan Birchenall as well as I remember him from the 60s when I used to go down to the football."

Engelbert, who was being rewarded for a pop career spanning 40 years, as well as his charity work, said he was flattered to be chosen.

He said: "It's a great honour for me. Leicester's my home, my motherland and I'm proud to be a Leicester person."

Sue, famous for creating the Adrian Mole books, said she had struggled to write her speech.

She said: "When I write books, I write 100,000 words, but this speech of two minutes was difficult. It's because it's so personal and there's a lot I'd like to say. It's just such an honour."

The Birch, who has raised around £750,000 for good causes after becoming an ambassador for City, waved and gave the thumbs-up to fans as he took to the stage.

He said he was proud to be recognised alongside two people who were known "around the world."

He said: "It was a shock when I received the MBE, but this is my adopted city and it just makes me so proud.

"And Sue and Engelbert are known everywhere. I've had to pinch myself."

The trio have all excelled in their own fields and worked hard for the city and charities, City council leader Ross Wilmott described them as "brilliant ambassadors for the city."

He said: "They are proud of Leicester and we are very proud of them. This is a small way in which we can pay tribute for all that they've done for the city."