Liam Neeson has accepted the highest honour that can be bestowed on him by his hometown of Ballymena - the Freedom of the Borough. (UTV)

Ballymena man turned Hollywood star, Liam Neeson. (© Getty)

The 60-year-old actor was born and raised in the Co Antrim town, where he attended St Patrick's school and learned to box at local club All Saints.

Speaking from his New York home, Liam said he was delighted to accept the accolade.

"Enormous strides have been made in my native Northern Ireland in the past decade, demonstrated by political, social and economic changes that came about through a combination of courage, generosity and persistence," he said.

The council unanimously backed the proposal, made on Monday night by SDLP Mayor PJ McAvoy.

"I am absolutely delighted that my colleagues have unanimously agreed to offer what is a very significant honour to Liam Neeson," he said.

He is a worldwide star and the best known Ballymena man in the world.

PJ McAvoy, Mayor of Ballymena

READ MORE: http://www.u.tv/Entertainment/Liam-Neeson-accepts-Ballymena-honour/8548c8bd-2c01-49e7-adb1-9ef0970b64b6