The Royle Family actress, 80, was joined by her on-screen hubby Ricky Tomlinson, 84, for the ceremony at the city's Town Hall.
Among those paying tribute in video messages on Tuesday was Sir Paul, who was celebrating his 82nd birthday that day.
The Beatle, who had received the Freedom award in 1984, said: "It allowed me to take a flock of sheep through the city centre, so if you need a couple of sheep to borrow just to take them through the streets, I'm your man.
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