Adam Trimingham, the Sage of Sussex and The Argus's best-known journalist, is to be made an honorary freeman of Brighton and Hove.

He will receive the title in recognition of his journalism and his service to the city.

Mr Trimingham will be the first person to receive the accolade from Brighton and Hove City Council.

He said: "I have taken everything in my stride but this has been a real surprise.

"I have seen many people being made a freeman of Brighton and Hove when they were separate councils but I am astounded and amazed it should happen to a scribbler."

He attended a council meeting yesterday when the surprise decision was announced.

A journalist has never before been given the title, the highest honour the council can bestow.

Winston Churchill was among those made an honorary freeman by Brighton before the councils merged.

Mr Trimingham, of Wish Road, Hove, is retiring on his 62nd birthday next month after 30 years with The Argus.

His name is to adorn a city bus, an honour reserved for famous and historic Brighton and Hove people.

Roger French, managing director of Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company, announced the tribute at Mr Trimingham's retirement party, where more than 100 MPs, councillors, journalists and friends celebrated his years with The Argus at the Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel. Tributes came from Martyn Willis, managing director of Newsquest (Sussex) Ltd, which publishes The Argus, Councillor Ken Bodfish, leader of the city council, and Sir Andrew Bowden, the former MP for Brighton Kemp Town.

Mr Trimingham was praised for his prolific writing, his balanced and accurate reporting and his integrity.

He was presented with a new bicycle from Newsquest and a clock from colleagues.

Mr Trimingham, who won numerous awards for his reporting, will continue contributing to The Argus.

A special council meeting has been called in September at which the status of freeman will be officially awarded following a unanimous vote by councillors, with the support of all four party leaders.

Coun Bodfish, a Labour member, said: "I can think of no better recipient than Adam Trimingham who shares the esteem of this chamber and the people of the city in recognition of quality journalism."

Coun Garry Peltzer Dunn, leader of the Conservative opposition, said:

"This is the first time I have agreed with everything the leader of the council has said."