A "humbled" Brian Noble received Bradford's highest honour yesterday to rapturous applause.

Former Bradford Bulls coach Mr Noble became only the 25th person to bear the title Freeman of the City.

The award was bestowed in recognition of his distinguished career in rugby league, both as a player and later as Bulls coach, and his close association with the city.

After swearing an oath to be true to the Queen and obedient to the Lord Mayor of the city, he said: "I feel quite humbled really. Not many people have received this honour from the city.

"I thought long and hard before I accepted this and I realise that it's not just on the back of what I have achieved - it's the people I have worked with.

"I have stayed in and around here for 45 years now. I grew up here and have got very fond memories of my upbringing.

"I am really proud that I have received this honour.

"I hope that I portray all the right characteristics that Bradfordians should and I hope that I portray the positive image that the city should been seen in.

"I have had responsibility all through my life and I consider this as one of the biggest responsibilities - to keep banging the drum for Bradford."

The 45-year-old was born at St Luke's Hospital and lived in Manningham before moving to Eccleshill.

He attended Drummond Road Primary School and Hanson School, later becoming a police officer working out of Bradford Central. It was there he met his wife Barbara.

The father-of-two made his debut for Bradford Northern - now Bradford Bulls - in 1978 and played more than 400 games in almost 15 years for the club.

In 1984 he was chosen as captain of the Great Britain Lions tour to Australia and New Zealand, and is now Great Britain head coach.

He returned to Odsal to take up a coaching role with Bradford Bulls at the end of his playing career. In his first year the Bulls reached the Challenge Cup Final and became Super League Champions in 2001 and World Club Champions in 2002.

Earlier this year he led the Bulls to a 30-10 destruction of West Tigers to win the World Club Challenge. And last October the club became the first in Super League history to win the Grand Final despite finishing outside the top two.

Mr Noble left the Bulls in April to take charge of Wigan - presiding over his first game in opposition to Bradford last week.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Choudhary Rangzeb, presented Mr Noble with a scroll, describing him as being "at the forefront of the city's sporting prowess".

Council leader Kris Hopkins (Con, Worth Valley) paid tribute saying: "Your personal commitment to Bradford as a player and as a coach has been outstanding.

"I hope that you will continue to recognise the great affection that the people of Bradford have for you."

Labour leader Ian Greenwood (Little Horton) said "He shows generosity in victory and graciousness in defeat. He has a great capability and talent for leadership."

Mr Noble joins the illustrious company of writer JB Priestley, former MP Barbara Castle and artist David Hockney as Freemen of the City.

e-mail: jo.winrow@bradford.newsquest.co.uk