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The Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) legislation, also called Daithi's Law after the Belfast boy, changes the way consent for donation is granted and came into effect on Thursday.

Most adults in Northern Ireland are now considered potential organ donors.

The intent of the new legislation is to increase the current number of organs available to people in need of a transplant.

Adults are now deemed to have given consent as a potential organ donor after their death unless they choose to opt-out or are in an excluded group.

Daithi has been on the waiting list for a heart transplant since 2018, and his family have campaigned for a move towards soft opt-out law and to promote organ donation.

The lord mayor and Belfast City Council conferred the Freedom of the City onto Daithi at an event at Belfast City Hall on Saturday evening.

A circus-style big top tent was erected on the front lawns of city hall to welcome Daithi's friends and family for the event.

Lord Mayor Tina Black was delighted to lead the celebratory event and said: “Daithi is an exceptional and special little boy who has inspired and given hope to other young people waiting for a donor.”

Daithi was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, meaning the left side of his heart did not form correctly.

Daithi's father Mairtin Mac Gabhann said: “Today is Daithi's day – it is testament to his remarkable character and tremendous spirit.

“We are so delighted to have the support of this amazing city on this historic day.”

Daithi aged six is given the freedom of Belfast after organ donor campaign success