A former head brewer and director of Great Yarmouth's old Lacons brewery will to be the toast of the town tonightwhen he receives the honorary freedom of the borough.

A former head brewer and director of Great Yarmouth's old Lacons brewery will to be the toast of the town tonightwhen he receives the honorary freedom of the borough.

Michael Falcon, CBE and the high steward of Yarmouth, will join a long line of more than 50 illustrious predecessors, including Lord Nelson and William Pitt the Elder, when his name is added to the freedom of the borough list at the town hall.

The 81-year-old has been chosen for the honour to thank him for his role in promoting the town for the last 25 years as high steward of the town.

He will receive the title at a special town hall ceremony organised by Yarmouth Borough Council.

Mr Falcon was head brewer then director at the Lacons Brewery in Church Plain and used to pose as a member of public when he visited pubs to see how well the company's tasty brews going down.

Since 1996 he has been chairman of the St Nicholas Preservation Trust, which helps maintain the town's towering church and is a stalwart supporter of the Caister lifeboat station.

Mr Falcon said: “I am very privileged to be treated in this way.”

The last time the freedom of Yarmouth borough was granted was in 2006 to Filby resident and long serving councillor David Thompson MBE for his 42 year's public service and the crew of the Hemsby Inshore Rescue Service for being involved in 12,000 call outs.

Honorary freedoms were first granted in the 1208 and in the town hall there is a plaque with more than 50 names of people given the honour since 1757.

William Pitt the Elder was given the title in 1757 and in 1800 Lord Nelson received the freedom of the borough.

Barry Coleman, leader of the borough council, said Monday be an excellent opportunity to thank Mr Falcon for his support to the borough as high steward for the last 25 years.