The aim is to raise funds for the Wallace and Gromit's Grand Appeal.

BBC: Wallace and Gromit designer dogs unveiled in Bristol

Lord Mayor Peter Abraham suggested the honour as Aardman won its fourth Academy Award for the film Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | Bristol/Somerset | Aardman offered freedom of city

The cuddly bear from darkest Peru beat a shortlist of other distinguished characters including Super Ted, Aleksandr Meerkat and Wallace and Gromit to the title.

BBC: Paddington Bear voted the UK's best animated character

The film featuring balding cheese-lover Wallace and his canine companion Gromit came out on top in the Academy Awards best animated feature film category.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | Bristol/Somerset | Aardman offered freedom of city

Highlights of this year's BBC Proms - which feature two months of music at London's Royal Albert Hall - have included a Wallace and Gromit prom and the event's first Brazilian orchestra, who flew in from Sao Paulo.

BBC: Last Night of Proms in 3D cinemas

Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park believes the UK provides a special environment for animators.

BBC: News

This time, Gromit, the smart dog, and Wallace, his well-meaning, slightly slow owner, set out to catch a sheep rustler.

NEWYORKER: Wallace and Gromit: The Best of Aardman Animation

"I've followed the work of Ray Harryhausen all my life, " said Park, Oscar-winning creator of Wallace and Gromit.

BBC: Ray Harryhausen

Chicken Run featured the voices of Mel Gibson, Miranda Richardson, Jane Horrocks, Julia Sawalha and was the first full-length film to be made by Bristol-based Aardman Animations - best known for its Wallace and Gromit films - with Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks company.

BBC: Author 'sues Chicken Run'