Chef to be awarded freedom of the city

Renowned chef Terry Laybourne is to be given one of a city's most prestigious awards.

The founder of restaurant 21 Queen Street on Newcastle's Quayside, now just 21, will be given the freedom of Newcastle to recognise his "huge contribution" to Tyneside's gastronomic scene and economy.

At a meeting to approve the award on Wednesday, Councillor Karen Robinson said his influence "cannot be underestimated".

Mr Laybourne said he was "truly flattered" by the honour.

"I feel privileged to not only to call Newcastle my home but also to have spent so much of my career here in this incredible city," he said.

He joins other notable local people such as Sir Brendan Foster and Sir Bobby Robson in receiving the award, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Mr Laybourne was the first person to bring a Michelin star to Newcastle in 1988.

He has since gone on to collect a variety of accolades including an Egon Ronay Star, Independent Restaurateur of the Year and a gold Taste of North East England award.

His company also runs a number of city eateries, including Broad Chare, St Vincent and the Saltwater Fish Company.

Newcastle councillor Wendy Taylor said: "The changes in the hospitality sector since I first came to Newcastle in 1973 have been truly remarkable.

"Then it was difficult to find a good restaurant, now we are completely spoiled for choice.

"Terry has made a huge contribution to that change." she said.

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].