Famed sculptor handed Freedom of the City award

Chichester City Council presented the honour to Philip Jackson for his ‘eminent services’ to the city.

Philip Jackson, who lives in Cocking, said: “It is a great honour to have been given it and particularly nice to have been given it by a city that means so much not only to myself but my wife Jean.

“We do a lot within the city for the cathedral and the university and anything else that goes on.

“It’s very nice to have this award which is given to so few people and I am thrilled and amazed I was given it.”

The awarding of the Freedom of the City took place at a unique Zoom ceremony on Thursday (April 15) incorporating some footage from Philip Jackson’s own grounds, to meet Government lockdown restrictions.

A private ceremony was also held in the garden at Mr Jackson’s home.

Mr Jackson added: “It is a great shame that Covid interrupted it but [Mayor of Chichester] Richard Plowman did it extremely well.

“He came up to the house and ran the ceremony in the garden. A few days later another ceremony was conducted on Zoom.

“A lot of people that I respect attended which was very gratifying. I am very honoured that they came along.”

Former recipients of the honour have included former city and district councillor Anthony French and astronaut Tim Peake.