3 September 2013 Last updated at 03:27 ET

Plans to give singer Van Morrison the freedom of Belfast have moved a step closer.

A proposal to grant the honour to the 68-year-old passed without comment during a meeting of the city council.

Members are expected to approve the move during a specially-convened sitting later this month.

Speaking afterwards, the DUP's Gavin Robinson said the east Belfast musician had made an outstanding contribution to civic life.

He said: "Van Morrison has projected a positive image for the city of Belfast through difficult decades with outstanding musical creativity."

I can think of no better individual, who poetically paints a majestic vision of the area I live, love and have the privilege to represent, to receive the honour of freedom

Mr Robinson nominated Morrison for the accolade - the highest a council can bestow.

In his nomination letter, Mr Robinson said: "I can think of no better individual, who poetically paints a majestic vision of the area I live, love and have the privilege to represent, to receive the honour of freedom.

"From humble beginnings, living just behind 'the bright side of the road', Van has rightly achieved international acclaim."

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City freedom plans for Van Morrison