Firefighters who battled against flooding in the winter became the first in the country to gain the freedom of a city.

West Sussex Fire Brigade County Fire Officer Martin Burrell was presented with a framed scroll of the freedom at a ceremony at County Hall.

It honours men and women in the brigade who battled day and night against flooding in Chichester and Selsey.

Councillors in full robes and tricorn hats entered the council chamber followed by city mayor Peggie Frost.

Canon John Hester, mayor's chaplain, led prayers of thanks for the preservation of the city and the dedication of firefighters.

Coun Frost said: "This is a great day for us all - the city and the council. What cheered up the people of Chichester when the flooding came was the fire brigade and the community spirit which arose.

"A lot of people helped out when the city was threatened with flooding and we are grateful to them all."

Mr Burrell responded: "I believe there's a phrase which goes 'behind every man there's a good woman' and the same could be said to apply to all the organisations which supported us.

"The freedom of the city reflects the esteem West Sussex holds for the fire brigade but many organisations, such as the county council, the Environment Agency and the city council itself, all worked together to protect lives and properties in this city."

He presented the city council with a ceremonial silver-topped fireman's axe to mark the occasion.

After the ceremony, the council and senior fire and police officers watched firefighters march past County Hall. The procession was led by a multi-purpose Super G Mercedes vehicle, followed by squads of firefighters from Selsey and Chichester with two fire tenders.