Sir Terry gets freedom of London

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/london/8411272.stm

Version 0 of 1.

Broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan is to raise Tower Bridge and receive the Freedom of the City of London.

The honour will mark Sir Terry's final week on his BBC Radio 2 breakfast show after five decades in broadcasting.

The 71-year-old Irish star also received a lifetime achievement gong at the weekend's British Comedy Awards.

Nick Anstee, Lord Mayor of the City of London, said the honour and Monday morning's ceremony was to celebrate Sir Terry's "outstanding work".

Sir Terry was inducted into the Radio Academy Hall Of Fame, as well as being awarded the Performing Right Society's John Peel Outstanding Contribution To Music Award.

I think the public has always confused longevity with merit Terry Wogan

The presenter, who has hosted the breakfast slot for a total of 27 years, told how it had been a difficult decision to step down - and how he would miss the programme and listeners.

"I don't particularly want to go, but I think it's the right time," he said.

"It's already emotional - the past two weeks have been a hell of strain emotionally and mentally.

"I've been feeling tired and I realise it's taking its toll because I realise I am going to have to say goodbye.

"There's never a good time to leave but there's a right time.

"I think the public has always confused longevity with merit."

Mr Anstee said: "I am delighted to nominate Sir Terry for the Freedom of the City of London to help celebrate his outstanding work, whether it's entertaining millions of people on Wake Up to Wogan or raising millions of pounds for Children in Need."

Sir Terry will present a weekend programme on Radio 2, starting early next year, and has also said he plans to carry on presenting Children in Need on BBC1 "until hell freezes over".