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Actor Liam Neeson is to be given the freedom of his home town during a ceremony in Co Antrim later today.

The star of Schindlers List and Michael Collins will be honoured in Ballymena.

Neeson began his career in Belfasts Lyric Theatre and later joined the Abbey Theatre in Dublin before moving to London, then Hollywood.

He was spotted by film director John Boorman while at the Abbey, subsequently appearing in Boormans film Excalibur in 1981.

This is the second time Neeson has been offered the freedom of the borough after refusing the councils recognition in 2000 amid controversy over his alleged derogatory remarks.

He was quoted as saying in an American magazine that he felt second class as a Catholic growing up in the mainly Protestant town and felt he had to stay indoors during the loyalist July 12th commemorations of the Battle of the Boyne.

Only three people have been awarded the freedom of Ballymena: Ian Paisley, Dr Syd Millar and Sandy Spence.

Neeson was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of a German businessman who prevented many Jews from being sent to Nazi death camps in Steven Spielbergs Schindlers List.

Another of his most prominent roles was his portrayal of Irish rebel leader Michael Collins in the film of the same name.

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Neeson to get freedom of Ballymena