Eye-catching honour for optician

Nick Howard (centre) receives his award from officials at a ceremony where he was given the Freedom of the City of London

A DELPH optician has been given the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the optical world.

Nick Howard (56) said: “As a Northern lad who works from time to time in London, I am amazed and a touch overwhelmed that I was invited to become part of the splendid tradition and heritage associated with this walled city.”

Originally granted to allow professionals to carry out their trade or craft in the City, it is one of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies in England.

Recent recipients include Dame Judi Dench, Stephen Fry, Jessica Ennis and Sir Ian McKellen.

Specialising in contact lenses, Nick, a father of two, is a regular speaker at national and international conferences and has lectured at a host of universities across the UK. He now works in Skipton.