CITY of York Council has decided to grant the Honorary Freedom of the City to John Barry and Dame Judi Dench following my nominations (November 14), and I would just like to express my gratitude to all those who assisted my campaign.

In particular I would like to thank Coun Mark Waudby for helping to guide my case through the sometimes ponderous political paths of local government; to Nick Hallissey and the Evening Press for their continuous support of my cause and their publicity right from the start; and to the many people of York who expressed support.

On hearing the great news late on Tuesday evening I immediately called John Barry at his Long Island home where he received it with "great delight, excitement" and said he felt "extremely flattered". On Wednesday I also called Dame Judi Dench who said she was "absolutely thrilled" with the outcome.

Plans for the ceremony will now be made by the Lord Mayor's office to coincide with the diaries of these two very busy international people.

However, I do hope that some date can be found which will be mutually convenient to both candidates as I feel that it would be a wonderful occasion to honour both recipients on the same day. They both agreed with my hopes!

Peter Stanhope,

Grange Close,

Skelton,

York.

Updated: 12:19 Saturday, November 17, 2001