Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council awarded its highest civic honour, the Freedom of the City, to 99-year-old RAF veteran Thomas Doherty. The ceremony occurred at Lagan Valley Island.

Doherty, born in Belfast in January 1927, grew up in east Belfast as the seventh of ten children. Three of his brothers served in the British armed forces. His family home sustained damage during the Belfast Blitz in World War Two.

He joined the RAF after Army Cadets, completing training in maintenance and vehicle operation in Northern Ireland and England. Doherty served as a driver in the mechanical transport section, stationed in Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia in the 1940s. He transported aircrew, equipment and supplies, reaching the rank of corporal.

After his service, Doherty returned to Northern Ireland and settled in Castlereagh with his wife Edna. They married for nearly 80 years until her death in 2025 and raised three children. He moved to Lisburn in the 1980s.

In the Temple area near Lisburn, Doherty led the Temple in Bloom initiative. He raised funds for local charities and supported veteran groups including the Royal British Legion. He attends civic events such as Remembrance Sunday.

Mayor Alderman Amanda Grehan stated the council recognises Doherty's armed forces service, community dedication and charitable work. Doherty said he feels honoured by the award after years in the area contributing through RAF service, charities and community involvement.