Radio Ulster Sacred Sounds presenter Richard Yarr exercises his right to drive sheep over the Thames as freeman of London

​Mr Yarr, who presents the popular show Sacred Sounds, received the Freedom of the City of London in 2019 for his work with young musicians and on Sunday exercised the freeman’s right to walk sheep over the Thames.

The traditional event on London Bridge was at the invitation of the City of London and organised by The Worshipful Company of Woolmen.

Mr Yarr said: “It was a super experience and many of my listeners have been in touch looking to see a photo!”

Freemen were allowed to bring livestock and tools into the city without paying tax in a tradition that is 800 years old.

In the years before lockdown, celebrities who exercised their right to drive sheep included Alan Titchmarsh, Michael Portillo, Dame Barbara Windsor and Dame Mary Berry.

Mr Yarr said: "It was a really unique experience.”

Mr Yarr is director of Music at First Church Rosemary Street, Belfast.

Earlier this year he got an MBE was for services to music in Northern Ireland, presented by His Majesty The King at Windsor Castle, on Valentine’s Day, February 14.

Euan Blair, son of the former prime minister Tony, was just ahead of Mr Yarr to collect his own honour that day, when he was also presented with an MBE for services to education.

Mr Yarr is also chair of the Charles Wood Festival Armagh and established the Northern Ireland International Organ Competition in 2011 and the BBC NI School Choir of the Year in 2014.

Mr Yarr is further Patron of the Northern Ireland Young Musician of the Year Competition.