Seven Olympic and Paralympic medal winners were appointed as Freemen of the Borough at a special meeting of Cheshire East Council today.
Paralympic cyclists Sarah Storey, Barney Storey and Craig MacLean, along with Paralympic sailor Niki Birrell were present at Congleton Town Hall to receive the highest accolade the Council can bestow on any of its citizens.
Unfortunately Victoria Pendleton, Beth Tweddle and Ben Ainslie were unable to attend the event.
The Mayor of Cheshire East Cllr George Walton welcomed guests and councillors to the meeting saying:
"Each of one the individuals who we will be appointing as Freeman today has excelled in their own field. They have entertained, they have inspired and they have become role models. I am delighted that we are able to celebrate their achievements today."
Maccesfield born Ben Ainslie won the gold in the Finn class competition making him the first person to win medals in five different Olympic Games in sailing.
Niki Birrell, who lives in High Legh, won a bronze medal at the Paralympics when he competed alongside Alex Rickman in the Skud 18 class.
Wilmslow resident Craig MacLean won a gold medal at the London 2012 Paralympics with his cycling partner Anthony Kappes. He was pilot in the men's tandem sprint for the blind and visually impaired.
Cyclist Victoria Pendleton, who also lives in Wilmslow won a gold medal in the keirin and silver medal in the sprint final at the London Olympics.
Sarah Storey, who lives in Disley, won four gold medals from four events to become Great Britain's most celebrated Paralympian of all time with a total of 11 gold medals, eight silver medals and three bronze medals.
Her husband Barney claimed a gold and silver in London to add to his double gold at the Beijing Paralympics in 2008.
Bunbury resident Beth Tweddle took home a bronze medal on the uneven bars from the London Olympics and is considered to be the most successful British gymnast of all time.
Speaking on behalf of her fellow athletes, Sarah Storey said "It is such an honour to be honoured so close to home.
"We've always travelled to compete for our country and win medals but when you come home that's where it feels most special and obviously none of us could do what we do without the support of local people and without the support of our families.
"So we're very very grateful for this honour. Thank you very much Mr Mayor and all the councillors. We're absolutely delighted and hopefully we'll try and win some more medals in the future."
Cllr Michael Jones said "In addition to granting the Freedom of the Borough to our medal winners I am glad to be able to formally announce that all will have Cheshire East streets named after them leaving a permanent record."
Photo: (l-r) Barney Storey, Sarah Storey, Mayor of Cheshire East Cllr George Walton, Craig MacLean and Niki Birrell.
