The rock star Van Morrison has been made a Freeman of his native city Belfast at a ceremony and concert in the Waterfront Hall.
A specially invited audience of over 2,000 including his mother Violet gave him a standing ovation as the Lord Mayor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir described the singer as the city's greatest son.

"He united us in the past, he's united us tonight and he will unite us in the future," he said.
"This represents our love, respect and gratitude for Van Morrison from the 'dark side of the street to the bright side of the road'."
The world famous singer was presented with a special scroll and gold ceremonial key just before his opening set.

His daughter Shana was among his backing group on stage at the Waterfront Hall.
Tickets for the concert were allocated to members of the public in Belfast through a lottery system free of charge.
But there was some controversy after it emerged 500 had been reserved for VIPs and that the 51 councillors would receive four each.
There was also criticism from some councillors when it emerged that even though Van Morrison was performing for free the star's band was being paid £36,000 for the performance.

Belfast City Council unanimously agreed in September to grant its highest honour to the singer, who is only the second person in 10 years to receive the accolade after ex-Olympic champion Dame Mary Peters received it in May.
Other previous recipients include the Merchant Navy, the poet John Hewitt and former prime minister Winston Churchill.

Throughout his 50-year music career, Van Morrison has risen from the Irish showband scene to global stardom, winning six Grammy Awards and a Brit as well as places in both the Rock and Roll and the Songwriters' Halls of Fame.
Known to fans across the world as "Van the Man" the shipyard worker's son from east Belfast has drawn inspiration from the area where he was born and raised for hits such as Cypress Avenue and Hyndford Street.