Internationally-acclaimed composer John Barry - one of York's most famous sons - was confirmed as an Honorary Freeman of the City of York today (Tuesday, June 25, 2002) in a special ceremony at the city's Assembly Rooms.

Dr Barry OBE, who has settled in America, returned to his native city and received his award from City of York Council at a special luncheon at the Assembly Rooms where he once used to trumpet in a jazz band on Saturday nights in the 1950s.

The five-times Oscar-winning musician and composer, who has scores of film and television scores to his credit including several James Bond soundtracks, was joined by some 40 family and friends from York at the luncheon.

He was also joined by the city's civic party, led by Lord Mayor of York Councillor David Horton, senior council officials and members of City of York Council.

Dr Barry has been honoured after being nominated by Peter Stanhope, himself an Honorary Freeman of the city. In a 20 minute ceremony, Richard Clark, the council's head of legal services, administered the Oath of Allegiance and the Freeman's Oath to Dr Barry.

Then Dr Barry was presented with a specially-designed vellum scroll by Lord Mayor Councillor Horton, confirming his status as Honorary Freeman.

Dr Barry said today, "It is an honour to be recognised in this way by one's home town and I am delighted to have been invited here today to accept.

"I have really been looking forward to the trip. Coming back to York always brings back happy memories of my family, the school and my time at the Rialto cinema. It's always great to come back."

Later, he told his guests, "This is a very great honour - it's very touching. I have had some honours in my time like the Academy (Oscar) awards but this is very, very special. God bless the city of York."

Lord Mayor of York Councillor David Horton said, "Dr Barry has been recognised through this award because he is a person of distinction. He is York born and raised and has won international acclaim for his work including five Oscars.

"When you read through his CV you begin to realise how many popular tunes and melodies have actually been written by him. Dr Barry has had an outstanding career and I am delighted to have been asked to help present him with his award."

City of York Council agreed to honour Dame Judi Dench, Mr Barry and local Civic Trust activist John Shannon with Honorary Freemen status at a meeting of the full council in November.

Mr Shannon OBE, received his Honorary Freeman award in a special Mansion House ceremony on March 27 in recognition of his contribution to the civic life of the city. Dame Judi will receive her award in another special ceremony on Saturday, July 13 at the Chapter House in York Minster.

The rarely-made honour, given only to those who have served the city with distinction or to those with very notable links to York, was the first of its kind since The Duchess of Kent was admitted on April 22, 1989.

After today's formal ceremony Dr Barry was also presented with a special certificate following his nomination in 1999 as York's Millennium Person of the Present - the winning nominee was Dame Judi.

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