An Oscar-winning director will become an Honorary Freeman of a Kent town.

Arnold Schwartzman OBE, who grew up in Margate, is set to be handed the coveted title following his outstanding contributions to the town.

The honour is handed to individuals of distinction, who have rendered eminent service to the town.

Humbled by the achievement, Mr Schwartzman, said: "I’m still greatly in shock at the wonderful news which I deem to be more significant to me than all the other accolades that I have been honoured to receive over the years."

The 87-year-old was born in East London in 1936, before moving to Margate after the Second World War when he was 10.

He attended Holy Trinity Primary School and then King Ethelbert School in Birchington.

After finding a passion for the arts, Mr Schwartzman attended creative schools in Thanet and Canterbury, before his professional career took off as a graphic designer, TV set designer, film-maker, public speaker and author of art books.

In 1982, Mr Schwartzman was appointed the director of design for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and, the same year, received an Academy Award and Oscar as the producer and director of the Best Documentary Film “Genocide", which portrayed the horrors of the holocaust.

An official ceremony for his new title will take place at The Margate School - which he is a patron of - on September 29.

Despite leaving Kent behind him for Los Angeles in the late 1970s, Margate has remained very much in the academy-award winner’s heart.

He has maintained strong ties with extended family connections and friends, returning periodically to both his former schools to make presentations about his life and career.

Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes OBE, who has worked with Mr Schwartzman on various projects, said: “(He) is a great designer who relishes his Margate youth and enjoys the Catapult of Fate which took him from the Kent coast to the bright lights of Hollywood.

“No worthier person exists to receive the Freedom of the town he loves so much.

“And if you look at his drawings, you will laugh and cry. Arnold’s profound humanity continues to delight and enrich.”