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World renowned animator and artist Sheila Graber has been honoured with the prestigious Freedom of South Tyneside.

South Shields-born Sheila Graber has a long and successful career in the animations sector, having animated well-known programmes including the much-loved BBC children's television series Paddington. The award-winning artist has also seen her animations screened at the Tate Gallery, the Open University and on BBC's Blue Peter.

Over the years, Sheila has engaged students of all ages and abilities in the arts. She has taught in workshops all over the world and in local schools, such as Stanhope Secondary, South Shields' Girls High School and King George Comprehensive, and in universities through roles including 'Animator in Residence' at the University of Teesside and as a 'Visiting Professor in Animation' at University of Sunderland.

In recognition of her achievements, Sheila was presented with the Freedom Scroll by the Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor John McCabe during a specially convened Extraordinary Meeting of Borough Council at South Shields Town Hall. It was also attended by Sheila's friends and family as well as civic dignitaries.

The Mayor said: "It was a proud moment, an honour and a privilege, to present Sheila Graber with the Freedom of South Tyneside. It is one of the most prestigious awards, and the highest honour, that the Council can bestow on any individual or organisation.

"Sheila Graber is such a deserving and well-respected recipient. She is one of the UK's most acclaimed animators, a truly talented positive individual and a huge inspiration to many. She is selfless and passionate about sharing her skills and encouraging others to reach their potential, and continues to give back to the community she loves through her numerous charitable efforts.

"This special honour has been conferred in recognition of Sheila's exceptional achievements and service in the arts, and in gratitude for how she has brought distinction to, and enhanced, the reputation of our Borough."

The Freedom of South Tyneside is just one of many accolades to Sheila over the years. Sheila has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship for Outstanding Services to Education, Art and Animation by the University of Sunderland and has won several major regional and national awards, including Best Digital Image Designer in the North East and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Royal Television Society.

Sheila has continued to enhance the reputation of the Borough with exhibitions of her work at local venues including South Shields Museum & Art Gallery, The Word and The Customs House, of which she is an Honorary Fellow.

She also supports numerous community causes, volunteers and donates funds from sales of her original paintings, drawings, prints and books, to help local charities.

Sheila said: "I studied at art college and I learnt that everyone is an artist, everyone can do something. It doesn't matter what art form, it can be anything from crochet to cookery, from pottery to painting, it's doing something and that is so important.

"My Mam's older sister Mabel had a marvellous saying. Her saying was that everyone needs something to pass the time. She had a huge input in my life."

On receiving the Freedom of South Tyneside, Sheila added: "It feels quite amazing. To have this amazing honour bestowed on you for doing what you love doing all your life is really extraordinary. It's a great honour. Thank you very much."

Sheila joins 12 other individuals or organisations to have been awarded the Freedom of South Tyneside since 1981. Further information is available at Freedom of the Borough - Â鶹ÊÓƵ