THEY can graze their cattle on Port Meadow and fish freely along stretches of the River Thames.

The Freemen of Oxford are the city’s most ancient and elite body, mentioned in the Domesday Book and only admitting new members once a year.

On Thursday night 14 people became the latest to join their ranks at a ceremony at Oxford Town Hall.

During the event, six young people were also named Apprentice of the Year, a competition run by the Freemen.

Young solicitor Christabel Ashby became the third from her firm, HMG Law, to become a Freeman, following Chris Butterfield and Lizzie Cameron.

The firm has been based in Oxford since 1838 and has long-standing links with the Freemen.

Ms Ashby said: “Since first reading about how Chris became a Freeman, I have had the ambition to become a Freeman myself, and it is a particular privilege to do so by making this piece of history.”

Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas was also at the ceremony to receive the special Prestige of Oxford award for the club’s success in gaining promotion back in to the Football League in May.

The award was last presented in 2008 to Inspector Morse creator Colin Dexter for his outstanding work.

Mr Thomas said: “It’s great to be a part of this special evening and to see Oxford United being recognised in the community.

“This award just reflects the hard work and dedication that this club has put in to get back where we belong, the Football League.

“I was more than happy to collect the award, because it was a special evening, not just for the club but also for people who have also worked so hard to achieve something in their own profession.”

Michael Smith, 20, who was a parks apprentice gardener for Oxford City Council, was one of the six people named Apprentice of the Year.

The 20-year-old has now accepted a full-time position at the council as cemeteries gardener.

Mr Smith, of Finstock, near Charlbury, said: “I’m really pleased that I have a full-time job at the council and have enjoyed my time as an apprentice, learning all the different aspects of work.”

Event organiser councillor John Sanders, a Freeman of the city, paid tribute to the quality of Oxford’s young apprentices.

He said “This year has seen many more entrants into the awards and this reflects the uptake of apprenticeships by young people.

“There now are around 2,000 apprentices training in Oxford.

“The city can rely on a new generation of skilled men and women who will continue to make it a wonderful place for us all to live.”

The full 14 are: Lynn Abdel-Haq Mohammed Abdel-Haq Christabel Ashby Chloe Edens Deborah Edens Abigail Fry Xanthe Fry Richard Arthur Hastings Stephen Clive Hastings Stuart Anthony Hastings Adrian Rhymes Elizabeth Rachel Rhymes Paul Stephen Rhymes Benjamin Richards