A CONSERVATIONIST dedicated to the care of elephants is to receive a rare honour.

Bournemouth University's Katie Thompson will be given the Freedom of the City of London on Monday, December 18 for her work in the fields of conservation and zoology.

Katie, a research assistant, will be honoured during a ceremony at the Guildhall in London. She was nominated by previous Freedom of the City recipient Dr John Smail.

“I'm delighted to have been nominated by Dr Smail," Katie said.

"I'll use the award to link up my work in research and fundraising at Bournemouth University with the Corporation of the City of London and develop a close relationship between the two.

“Of course, I also hope that this will help to further public consciousness of the conservation work taking place with elephants in Africa and, ultimately, lead to their preservation and increase in the coming years as our research and work there continues.”

The Freedom of the City of London is one of the oldest traditional ceremonies still in existence, with the first recorded recipient awarded in 1237, and includes a number of rights for those awarded. These include the right to drive sheep and cattle over London Bridge, to a silken rope, and to carry a naked sword in public.

Katie said: “I am yet to discover if elephants count as ‘cattle’ but look forward to joining a prestigious group of people who have also received this honour.”

Professor John Fletcher, pro vice chancellor for research and innovation at the university, said: “It is important to us that our staff and students have a really positive impact on the world – in fact, being out there, making a difference and enriching society is part of our core ethos.

"It's so pleasing to see this impact recognised by external bodies and we are proud of the work that Katie has done and this tremendous honour that has been bestowed on her as a result of her efforts.”

Professor Genoveva Esteban, Katie's manager, said: “This award is a reflection of Katie’s dedication and passion for her work, and I can’t wait to celebrate with her.”