He was nominated to receive the accolade for his commitment to filming in and around Merseyside, since he started his feature film career in the city in 1998.

David Yates, the film director behind some of the UK’s highest grossing feature films, has become Liverpool’s latest Citizen of Honour in a special ceremony last month.   

Yates has been added to the Roll of Citizens of Honour and was presented with an official scroll by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Roz Gladden.

Recently, he was instrumental in choosing Liverpool as the only location in the world for the latest JK Rowling adaptation Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Yates said: “It’s is a great honour to be recognised in this way by the city of Liverpool, and to join some of the remarkable and inspiring people who have been given this honour in the past.

“There is and has always has been a tremendous beating heart that for me defines Liverpool. It starts with the people – their energy, humour, kindness, and sheer indefatigable spirit makes you feel like anything is possible.

“Making films here has always been a joy because of it. And I’m touched and proud to be welcomed back once more as an honoury citizen – not many awards are able to bring you home in quite the same special way as one like this.”

Yates started making films at the early age of 14 with family and friends being drafted in as cast members on his short films using a camera his mother had given to him.

As well as Yates’ long list of credentials, including his involvement in the final four Harry Potter Films, he has become one of the UK’s highest grossing film directors.

The Citizen of Honour Awards were introduced in 2008 to formally recognise those individuals who have made a significant, exceptional or unique contribution to enriching the image of the city and/or its citizens.

To date there are 27 Citizens of Honour including Bill Shankly, Liverpool World War Two veterans, April Ashley, Dr David France and Lewis Biggs.