Dame Edna Everage has been honoured with the keys to Mebourne.

The character, played by Barry Humphries, was born in the city and was awarded the honour by the Lord Mayor John So.

He told the crowd at the ceremony: "Through her humour Dame Edna has changed the way Melburnians think and laugh about themselves. For 50 years she has been putting Melbourne on the international comedy map."

Commenting on the achievement, Everage said: "I was born in this lovely town and I've... never had a key to it. I''ve always snuck in while the door was ajar."

The ceremony marks the 50th anniversary of Humphries' creation.