The 007 heart-throb was enthusiastically welcomed back to Navan, Co Meath by hundreds of well-wishers when he came to receive the freedom of the city.

Bond 's latest adventure The World Is Not Enough is out in November

The first freeman of Navan, Brosnan was presented with a vellum scroll certifying his new status and an oil painting depicting the views from his old home.

The 46-year-old actor, who was in Los Angeles earlier in the week for the premiere of his third Bond movie The World Is Not Enough, appeared moved by the warm reception in Ireland.

"The man I have become started in this town. I have always carried the memories of Navan in my heart," said Brosnan.

He continued: "Many people do not know where they are from. I know I come from Navan. I am a Navan man."

The actor was back in the town of his youth with his mother May and son Christopher. The 500-strong audience sang Happy Birthday to Christopher when they discovered he was also celebrating his 25th birthday.

A mining town with a population of 20,000, Navan is known for producing tin, carpets and furniture. Since leaving, Brosnan has gone on to inhabit the glamorous, money-driven world of Hollywood.

Brosnan with new love Shaye-Smith

His family moved to England in the 1960s and Brosnan embarked on an acting career that has made him one of most successful leading men of the last decade with his role as agent 007.

He has however suffered personal tragedy when he lost his wife Cassandra Harris - a former Bond girl - to Ovarian cancer in 1991.

Brosnan has since settled down with journalist Keely Shaye-Smith and they have a two-year-old son Dylan.