Manchester United legend Denis Law to be given the freedom of his home city

Denis Law after receiving his CBE in 2016 Credit: John Stillwell/PA Archive/PA Images

The Manchester United football legend Denis Law is to be given the freedom of his home city Aberdeen.

The former Scotland and Manchester United player said he is "delighted and honoured", and will receive the award in a ceremony later this year.

Aberdeen councillors voted on a motion on Wednesday to bestow its highest award.

The 77-year-old never played for Aberdeen but said the city has a "huge place in my heart".

At Manchester United he was part of the so-called "Holy Trinity" with George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton.

He also played for Manchester City and was capped 55 times for Scotland and is the country's joint-highest scorer with Kenny Dalglish on 30 goals.

Aberdeen Lord Provost George Adam said: "Denis is not only a great ambassador for the city, he also supports an enormous amount of work in the local community and is involved in a number of charitable causes.

Recent recipients of the award include former Aberdeen and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, comedy act Scotland The What? and the Highlanders, 4th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland.