LONG-SERVING Colchester residents have been given a unique honour.

A group of 16 people were sworn in to Freeburgess status at Colchester town hall on Tuesday.

The title – formerly known as having the freedom of the borough of Colchester – is given based on either having a parent or grandparent who was also a Freeburgess, or having been an apprentice for seven years to a member of the Guild of Master Craftsman who also holds the title.

The title dates back to 1189 Royal Charter of Richard the Lionheart and historically gave them certain privileges, but is now a purely ceremonial honour.

Mayor Theresa Higgins presented the certificate to those who qualified.

She said: “The ceremony went very well and it is definitely nice to keep the links with our heritage and history.

“It gave the opportunity for people to research their family and two people who were given the honour found out they were related which they did not know before.”