Former RTÉ chief news correspondent and broadcaster Charlie Bird has received the Freedom of Wicklow.

Wicklow County Council says it was awarded to him in recognition of "his work and outstanding achievements in the field of broadcasting and journalism and more recently in his campaigning and raising funds for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House".

Mr Bird said he was "deeply honoured" to receive the award.

He received the honour at a special ceremony held in the Council Chamber at Wicklow County Council.

Mr Bird set up the Climb with Charlie initiative following his diagnosis of motor neurone disease in November last year.

It saw Mr Bird set himself the goal of hiking to the top of Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo on 2 April.

It aimed to help and show support for those who have their own physical and mental mountains to climb.

In addition to Croagh Patrick, thousands of people took part in hundreds of other climbs across Ireland, with climbs also organised as far away as the US, Australia, South Africa and Spain.

The initiative raised around €3.3m for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House.

Mr Bird said he is accepting the award on "behalf of everyone across Ireland and abroad who helped to make 'Climb with Charlie' the outstanding success it was".

Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr Tommy Annesley said: "We would like to congratulate Charlie and commend him on all the tireless fundraising work he has carried out over the past year.

"It is clear the impact you have had on so many and it's fitting that we bestow this honour on you today."

He is the third recipient to be given the freedom of the county after Oscar-winning actor Daniel Day-Lewis in 2009 and World champion boxer Katie Taylor in 2011.