Newcastle City Council said it would "serve as a lasting tribute to a man who meant so much to the city" following the death of football legend Kevin Keegan in July

Football legend Kevin Keegan will become the first person in history to be posthumously awarded the Freedom of Newcastle, the city's highest honour.

Newcastle City Council said it would "serve as a lasting tribute to a man who meant so much to the city. King Kev's legacy will 'continue to inspire people for many years to come,' civic chiefs said.

The local authority confirmed Keegan had been due to be given the Freedom of the City earlier this year. It was not formally agreed upon, though, before he died in July after being diagnosed with cancer.

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Council leader Colin Ferguson said: "We were all deeply saddened to learn of Kevin Keegan's death in July. You could see from the enormous amount of tributes left outside St James' Park what he meant to the city and the footballing world.

"The stories shared about Kevin and the impact he made have been inspiring, showing just how much he was loved not only by our city, but across the world."

In a statement, his family said: "Kevin always shared his love for Newcastle United, Geordies and the city, captivating us with stories told with his infectious smile."

They said the tributes allowed them a "quiet moment to reflect on many fond memories of Kevin's incredible career and the incomparable bond he shared with Newcastle".

He will join other Newcastle sporting legends such as Alan Shearer, Sir Bobby Robson, Jackie Milburn, and Eddie Howe in receiving the Freedom of the City.

As a player, Keegan, who won the Ballon d'Or awards after being voted the world's best player in 1978 and 1979, scored 48 goals in 78 games after joining Newcastle in 1982 and helped secure promotion back to the First Division.

Recipients of the honorary award have their name inscribed in the wall of the Banqueting Hall at the Civic Centre.

It is different to being a hereditary Freeman of Newcastle, a centuries-old group who swear an oath to defend the city and have traditionally had special rights and duties — including the right to graze cattle on the Town Moor.

Newcastle lord mayor Henry Gallagher, a Magpies season ticket holder, said: "Kevin has a lasting legacy for the whole of the city, not just for the football club. "Looking at all the comments people have made about him, they all say the same thing — that Kevin always had time for people.

"He would always stop and chat, and make sure that everybody had a chance to talk to him. He brought such joy to our city. When he came here it was like we were taken notice of again and it was brilliant." Newcastle United CEO David Hopkinson added: "Kevin Keegan will always be, quite simply, one of the most important, influential and beloved figures in the history of Newcastle United. "His impact on our club, our city and generations of supporters is immeasurable. As both a player and manager, he helped shape some of the most memorable chapters in our history and created a bond with Newcastle that leaves a true legacy. "The proposal to make Kevin an Honorary Freeman of Newcastle, the highest civic honour, is a fitting recognition for one of the city's greatest icons."