His mother told him there'd be days like this: Freedom of Belfast for Van

The 68-year-old, who was born in the east of the city, is likely to receive the accolade next year.

VAN MORRISON is to be granted the Freedom of Belfast.

The 67-year-old singer-songwriter, who is from Hynford Street, Bloomfield in the east of the city, is likely to receive the accolade next year.

Belfast City Council is expected to agree to the honour, the highest it can bestow, at a meeting next month.

The shipyard electrician’s son has sold millions of albums worldwide, his live performances have been described as ‘transcendental’ and his album Astral Weeks regularly features in lists of the best albums of all time.

Drawing inspiration from his home city, some of his best-known songs include the hit ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ released in 1967, ‘Jackie Wilson Said (I’m in Heaven When You Smile)’, ‘Domino’ and ‘Wild Night’.

Here’s ‘Days Like This’:

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