A FORMER Lord Mayor who presented John Lennon's Freedom of the City to Yoko Ono was given his MBE by the Prince of Wales.

Frank Doran, of Rainhill, was named on the New Year's Honours list for services to the people and city of Liverpool.

The 65-year-old visited Buckingham Palace with his wife Sandra and other family members in May, to collect the medal.

Frank, of Toftwood Avenue, said Prince Charles commented on the military tie he wore, and told him he thinks Merseyside is a great part of the world.

He said: "It was a fantastic occasion and I'm honoured to have received the award. It will take pride of place in my military medals display.

"I got to Buckingham Palace at around 10am on the day and went into one of big state rooms with the other recipients.

"Family and friends were taken to a separate area,and they put a hook on my jacket ready for the medal."

He added: "The Prince of Wales presented my award. He is the Colonel Commandant of the Paras Regiment - he shook my hand and when he saw my regiment tie, he said 'Oh, I see you are a Para, it's great to see someone from the Paras here today'.

"I told him about the other things I did and where I was from and he said thinks it's a great part of the world.

"After the presentation, we went outside and took photos."

Frank, who is re-organising his medal display with the MBE to take central place, said: "I've done a lot for Liverpool which has a knock-on effect on the surrounding areas like St Helens and Knowsley.

"I was Lord Mayor of Liverpool from 1996-97 and played a role in delivering the capital of culture year in 2008.

"I also served in the Parachutes Regiment and was later transferred to the Intelligence Corps, serving in Iraq."

He added: "In 1998, I went to New York and developed a friendship link. While I was there I presented Yoko Ono with John Lennon's freedom of the city in the Liverpool garden in Central Park."

Frank, who retired eight years ago, has also worked in the chemistry department at The University of Liverpool and currently is involved with veterans' issues, supporting ex servicemen from Merseyside.