Charlie Bird and wife Claire feted as honourary citizens of Mayo

Charlie Bird and his wife Claire have been bestowed with the title 'Honourary Citizens of Mayo.'

The gesture was made by Mayo County Council in recognition of their outstanding work in respect of the Climb with Charlie fundraising drive for charity.

The special presentation was made to them by the cathaoirleach of the authority, Councillor Michael Smyth.

Charlie and Claire confirmed the news in an interview with Henry McGrade of iTV Mayo.

"We are very, very proud," stated Claire.

Their Climb with Charlie initiative has raised €1.76 million to date for the Irish Motor Neurons Disease Association and Pieta House.

Many of those supporting the fundraising drive, including Daniel O'Donnell, Ryan Tubridy, George Lee and Baz Ashmawy have spoken of Charlie's remarkable courage, strength and spirit.

iTV Mayo will feature a special programme on Climb with Charlie in the coming week.

The event has created huge awareness of motor neurone disease as well as the great work of Pieta House.

It has also been a great boost for Croagh Patrick and the Clew Bay region.