Freedom Of Eastleigh For Olympic Stars

Two of Hampshire's medal winners at London 2012 are being awarded the Freedom of Eastleigh later today (Tue 26 Feb).

Dani King MBE from Hamble got a gold in the cycling and David Smith won silver in the Boccia in the Paralympics .

They'll be given scrolls at a ceremony in the town tonight.

Around 160 family and friends and civic guests together with local torch bearers and gamesmakers from London 2012 will attend the event that will see the Council award the highest honour it can bestow.

Dani King MBE won an Olympic gold medal in the Women's Cycling Team Pursuit and David Smith won a Paralympic gold medal in Boccia in the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing and further silver and bronze medals in Boccia at London 2012.

Mayor of Eastleigh Cllr Rupert Kyrle said "Winning a gold medal at an Olympic or Paralympic games is a tremendous achievement and I'm extremely honoured to be presenting Freedom of the Borough to these two outstanding athletes from the borough"

Meanwhile Dani will also open part of a new cycling route this afternoon at the Hockley Viaduct in Winchester.