Blind marathon runner to be a Sandwell honorary freeman

Mr Heeley hopes to become an Olympic torch bearer next year

A blind marathon runner is to be made an honorary freeman of a Black Country borough.

Dave Heeley, from West Bromwich, will become Sandwell's 11th honorary freeman at a ceremony next year.

The 54-year-old, known as Blind Dave, has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity and recently cycled and ran 1,000 miles in 10 days.

Council leader Darren Cooper who made the announcement, said the honour was the least they could do.

Mr Heeley said it was a privilege.

The runner is now hoping his nomination to be an Olympic torch bearer next year will be accepted.

"What a year that would make it. How could I possibly ask for anything else," he said.

The decision to make Mr Heeley an honorary freeman will need to be approved by the full council in January.