ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate has been officially named as an Honorary Yorkshireman.

The honour is presented by Welcome to Yorkshire to inspirational individuals who have made a big impact on Yorkshire, despite being born outside the county lines.

Back in the summer, Southgate led the national team to its most successful performance in a World Cup for 18 years when England reached the semi-finals in Russia.

He is the third person to receive the honour, which was first awarded to Take That star Gary Barlow and his co-writer Tim Firth back 2015 for their contribution to Yorkshire culture with their production of Calendar Girls: The Musical.

Southgate said: "I am very proud and very honoured. I’ve lived here longer than I’ve lived in any other part of the country, the values and friendliness of the people has been incredible.

"We love living here and have thoroughly embraced the Yorkshire way of life. It’s nice to be recognised in this way, I’m very proud.”

Southgate, who was born in Watford, has lived near Harrogate in Yorkshire since 2001 when he moved here to be closer to his then club Middlesbrough.