Olympic cyclist Laura Trott honoured by Broxbourne Borough Council

Olympic cyclist Laura Trott was awarded the honour by the mayor of Broxbourne at a special council meeting

Olympic champion cyclist Laura Trott has been given the freedom of the Hertfordshire borough of Broxbourne.

The double gold medallist, who grew up in Cheshunt, won two track cycling events at the London 2012 Games.

A council spokeswoman said it was "the highest recognition the council can make on behalf of the community".

It said her achievements was an example of "what is humanly possible at a very special level".

Trott won the women's team pursuit and the omnium at this year's Olympic Games in London.

Watched by family and friends, the cyclist was awarded the honour by mayor of Broxbourne, councillor Eddie Rowland, at the meeting on Thursday at the council's Cheshunt offices in Churchgate.

'Outstanding contribution'

The council said that the Freedom of the Borough title was an old established civic honour, made to citizens for their "outstanding contribution" to the community.

"The council believes this award is still relevant as it is recognition of the breadth of Laura's achievements," the spokeswoman said.

"The award is an encapsulation of the special achievements of someone associated with the borough which is inspirational to others.

"Laura's achievements are truly exceptional, over and above the call of duty and an exemplification of what is humanly possible at a very special level."

It is only the fourth such award made in the borough in 40 years.

The other recipients have been Douglas Breeze, former chairman and leader of the council, Marco Carruba, the mayor of Sutera, the borough council's twin town and Dame Marion Roe, Broxbourne MP from 1983 to 2005.