Honoured Sir Terry Wogan raises Tower Bridge

Sir Terry Wogan celebrated being awarded the Freedom Of The City Of London today by raising Tower Bridge.

The honour marked Sir Terry's final week on his BBC Radio 2 show after five decades in broadcasting.

The 71-year-old Irish star was also honoured with a lifetime achievement gong at the British Comedy Awards at the weekend.

Nick Anstee, Lord Mayor of the City of London, said: "I am delighted to nominate Sir Terry for the Freedom of the City of London to help celebrate his outstanding work, whether it's entertaining millions of people on Wake Up to Wogan or raising millions of pounds for Children in Need."

Last week, the UK radio industry paid tribute to Sir Terry as he prepared to bow out.

The presenter said the past fortnight had been "a hell of a strain, mentally and emotionally" as he counts down to his departure.

Sir Terry was inducted into the Radio Academy Hall Of Fame, as well as being awarded the PRS John Peel Outstanding Contribution To Music Award, handed over by Take That star Gary Barlow.

The presenter, who has hosted the breakfast slot for a total of 27 years, told how it had been a difficult decision to step down - and how he would miss the programme and listeners.

"I don't particularly want to go, but I think it's the right time," he said.

"It's already emotional - the past two weeks have been a hell of strain emotionally and mentally. I've been feeling tired and I realise it's taking its toll because I realise I am going to have to say goodbye.

"There's never a good time to leave but there's a right time. I think the public has always confused longevity with merit.

"If you hang around long enough and a proportion of the great British public still hold you in some affection that's the time to leave, the time to walk away. Don't wait, it's not going to get any better. Not for me."

Sir Terry announced in September that he was to call time on his breakfast show tenure. He will move to a new weekend show next year.