Liam Neeson was made an honourary member of Ballymena Rotary Club.
The Ballymena Club is part of Rotary International, a worldwide humanitarian organisation with clubs all over the world.
Past president of the Rotary club Lynda Bell announced that Mr Neeson had accepted the offer of membership at an event marking 80 years of the Ballymena Rotary Club, the Ballymena Guardian reported.
The event was held at The Adair Arms in Ballymena.
Ms Bell said: “Honorary membership is a very special award. It is offered in recognition of outstanding achievements over a long and distinguished career.
In addition to numerous accolades in the film industry, Liam’s commitment to charitable causes, particularly UNICEF, embodies the very essence of Rotar
As Goodwill Ambassador for the Charity, he visited Mozambique and, more recently, Jordan, to meet children affected by the Syrian crisis.
It was the Club’s view that no-one is more deserving of this honour than Liam Neeson and it feels privileged that Liam has accepted our invitation to become an Honorary Member.”
Mr Neeson was unable to attend the event, but sent a video message from his New York home.
He said: “I want to pass on my heartiest congratulations to the Rotary Club of Ballymena on this, your 80th Anniversary; 80 years of service to the community is a magnificent achievement.
“I pay tribute to those founding members who had the courage and vision to establish the Club in 1943, right in the middle of the Second World War.
“I commend your members today who share that same commitment to improve the lives and conditions of people in my great home town of Ballymena and across the world.
“I am deeply honoured to accept your invitation to become an honorary member and wish you continued success in the years ahead.”
Mr Neeson’s honorary certificate and lapel pin were given to his sisters Elizabeth Connaughton and Bernadette Sexton on the night of the event.
The certificate and a photograph of Liam will be on display at the Braid in Ballymena for the first two weeks of October.
