Olympians Andy Hodge and Danielle Brown have been awarded Craven District Council’s highest honour.

Andy, from Hebden, and Danielle, from Lothersdale, were given the Freedom of Craven at a special ceremony at the council’s Belle Vue Square offices.

The decision to award the honour was made earlier this year by the council in recognition of their double gold winning performances – in rowing and archery respectively – at the Beijing and London games.

The event was well attended not only by members of both their families, but by council chairman, Donny Whaites, six members of the council’s Free Access to National Sports scheme, and secondary school students.

Coun Whaites said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to be awarding Andy and Danielle the Freedom of the District. They have both achieved remarkable things and brought huge recognition to the Craven area. They now sit alongside the Yorkshire Regiment as proud recipients of this worthy status.”

Both Andy and Danielle accepted the Freedom and paid tribute to the huge support they had received from the British public as well as from the people of Craven. They said this really helped them perform in London.

Andy said: “It was a huge privilege to receive the freedom and it will sit alongside my MBE.”

Danielle said the day was extra special as it was the first time some of her family had been able to take part in one of her award ceremonies.