World Superbike star Jonathan Rea is to be awarded the Freedom of the Borough by Mid and East Antrim Council in November.
The honour was initially proposed back in February by Larne Lough DUP Cllr Gregg McKeen, seconded by party colleague Alderman Paul Reid.
At a meeting of council this week it was confirmed that talks were underway about a "low-key" ceremony later this year.
It will be the latest proud honour for the five-times WSB champion, who was awarded an MBE back in 2017.
The Ballyclare rider was also awarded the Freedom of the Borough by Antrim and Newtownabbey council last January.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Council, Councillor Peter Johnston, told a meeting on Monday: “Following council’s decision to confer freedom of the borough to Dr Jonathan Rea MBE as proposed by Cllr McKeen and seconded by Alderman Reid, officers are currently in discussions with Dr Rea’s team to agree a suitable date in November.
“He has requested a low key ceremony with reduced numbers and the launch of a bursary in his name which would be awarded at the annual Sports Awards.”
