Actor Ray Winstone has expressed his profound pride after being granted the prestigious Freedom of the City of London.

The 68-year-old, born in Hackney and famed for his roles in films such as The Departed and King Of Thieves, was honoured on Wednesday at a central London ceremony.

The recognition highlighted his extensive fundraising and charitable contributions.

Known for his distinctive East End accent and his compelling portrayal of various "hard man" characters, including ex-criminal Gary "Gal" Dove in Sexy Beast, Winstone stated he was "very proud to be a Londoner".

Beyond his acting career, he has been a dedicated lifelong supporter of numerous causes, notably the West Ham United Foundation, the official charity of West Ham United Football Club.

He also champions the ICAP Charity Day, a fundraising event where ICAP and City brokers donate 100 per cent of one day’s revenue to charity.

Winstone said: “Today, more than ever, I am a very proud Londoner and if my mum and dad were still here to see me receiving the Freedom of the City of London, I know that it would have meant the world to them – as it does me.

“This has been such a special day for me, and I am very grateful to Lady Mayor Sue Langley for hosting my guests and I at The Mansion House, and to Alastair King and William Russell for nominating me.”

Beyond his acting career, Winstone has been a dedicated lifelong supporter of numerous causes (Lucy North/PA Wire)

Over the course of five decades, Winstone has appeared in films including Quadrophenia, *Cold Mountain *and Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull.

He has also appeared in TV series such as The Bill, Ever Decreasing Circles, One Foot In The Grave, Boon, and Birds Of A Feather.

Winstone was nominated by the former lord mayors of the City of London, Sir William Russell and Alistair King, who served last year.

He accepted the award at a ceremony held at Lady Mayor Dame Susan Langley’s official residence, The Mansion House.

Dame Susan said: “Ray Winstone may have earned his ‘hard man’ credentials on screen but, off screen, he’s always had a big heart, as you can really see in his charitable work.

“West Ham means a lot to both of us: it’s the club that we’ve both supported for years, and it’s the area where I was born, so it’s been a real joy to see him receive this recognition today.”

Winstone recently participated in a live sculpting event in support of a veteran’s charity which he described as “an honour”, adding that his involvement was not about “supporting a war” but about “supporting our kids”.

Royal sculptor Frances Segelman created a bust of Winstone at an event for Blesma, a military charity that supports limbless veterans.

The Freedom of the City of London is a way of paying tribute to an individual’s outstanding contribution to public life and is believed to have begun in 1237.

Previous recipients include Hollywood star Cate Blanchett, choreographer and director Sir Matthew Bourne, comedian Sir Lenny Henry and former Olympic Commonwealth Games athlete Lady Mary Peters.