Ulster motorcycling ace Robert Dunlop is following in the footsteps of his legendary brother Joey today by receiving the freedom of his home town.
The Ulster Grand Prix champion and 15 times North West 200 winner was expected to pick up the accolade during a ceremony at Ballymoney Town Hall.
The 46-year-old, who was also granted an honorary doctorate by the University of Ulster, described the freedom as a "great privilege".
He said: "I never thought in my wildest dreams when I started racing motorbikes that I would be as good as I was.
"I am privileged and honoured. My brother Joe got it and this is another great honour for the family name - a name of which I am very proud.
"A lot of times these honours are bestowed on people when they are not around to receive them but I am very grateful to be able to be there."
Ballymoney councillors voted unanimously to award the Freedom of the Borough to Robert Dunlop last October.
Mayor of Ballymoney, John Finlay, said the Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour his council could bestow.
At the ceremony he said: "The Freedom of the Borough is a very powerful message that we send you and that message is of our admiration for all that you have achieved and the inspiration that you have brought to all of us.
"We honour Robert today for his outstanding performance in the field of motorcycling in which he has followed a local and indeed family tradition. He has done everything in a road-racing career, which has seen him become the most successful rider at the North West 200, as well as having made his impact on the Isle of Man TT and the Ulster Grand Prix. Robert has skill, courage and determination in no small measure.
"He is an inspiration to many, a true sporting hero and a great ambassador for this borough."
Robert Dunlop becomes only the fourth individual to be awarded the Freedom of Ballymoney Borough, following Mollie Holmes, his brother Joey Dunlop, and DUP leader and local MP Ian Paisley.
