9 October 2012 Last updated at 08:26 ET

Honorary freedom of Norfolk award planned for county

The honour would recognise those who have given "outstanding service" to Norfolk

People who make outstanding contributions to Norfolk life should be given the freedom of the county, a council leader has said.

Derrick Murphy, of Norfolk County Council, wants to create the award to honour those who serve the county with "great distinction".

The council has yet to decide what privileges would be attached to the honour.

The idea will be discussed at a full council meeting in November.

Mr Murphy said: "It's only right that people who have served the county with great distinction should be honoured."

He said it should only be given in "exceptional circumstances".

Lord Nelson

Similar awards exist in Great Yarmouth, King's Lynn and Norwich.

If approved, it would be the first countywide honour in recognition of those who have given "outstanding service" to Norfolk.

Barry Stone, of the council, said: "I think it's a great idea and long overdue."

Norfolk-born Admiral Lord Nelson, who died leading the British fleet to victory at Cape Trafalgar in 1805, was awarded the freedom of Great Yarmouth in 1800.

Recipients of the Freedom of Norwich include artist Colin Self, playwright Arthur Miller, the USAAF 2nd Air Division Association and Norwich City Football Club.