SHE has performed to great acclaim all over the world. But opera singer Dame Janet Baker was still humbled by an honour bestowed on her by the residents of York.

The retired mezzo-soprano, who grew up in York before heading to London at the age of 20 to launch her illustrious career, was awarded the title of Honorary Freeman of the City of York during a special ceremony yesterday.

Dame Janet was Chancellor of the University of York from November 1991 to August last year, and former colleagues were among those present at the ceremony at the Mansion House.

Dame Janet said: "You certainly don't refuse an honour like this. It makes you feel that you are really appreciated in your own place in a very special way.

"It's such a touching end to my official role as chancellor of the university - I can't describe how I feel.

"When I was younger, I never thought I would achieve this status. That's why, when I was asked back here to do the job at the university, it was special because it was York.

"You don't often get a chance to return to your roots in such a satisfying way, to work for the university and for the city. It is very special because it is home."

Born in Yorkshire in 1933, Dame Janet is a former pupil of York College for Girls. She grew up in Acomb, where she said members of her family were buried.

She was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of York in 1984, before being made chancellor in 1991. Following her retirement, she was made an Honorary Professor in the Music Department.

She now helps music students with their burgeoning careers, and belongs to a number of trusts who distribute funds to young people.

Dame Janet said: "I'm listening to music all the time, helping students practically with their student debt.

"If you have struggled, and most of us have, you don't forget that. So it's nice to give something back."

The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Janet Looker, presented Dame Janet with a specially-designed vellum scroll.

Dame Janet joins entertainment greats such as actress Dame Judi Dench, composer John Barry and pantomime dame Berwick Kaler who have also become Freemen of York.

Updated: 10:19 Friday, April 22, 2005