OLYMPIC gold medal-winning rower Matthew Langridge is to receive the Freedom of Northwich to recognise his success at the Rio games this summer.

The framed scroll is to be presented by Northwich Town Mayor Kevin Rimmer following an open top bus parade to celebrate the rower’s achievement.

The parade, presentation and civic reception are being organised by Northwich Town Council, and are due to take place on Saturday, October 1.

Townspeople, in particular children, are being urged to line the streets on the day to welcome Matt to the town where he grew up.

Before the parade through the town centre, which is to be led by a Samba band, a thousand Union Jack flags will be handed out to children who have come to see the Olympic hero.

Matthew’s success is also to be marked by the painting in gold of the blue balls riverside sculpture at the entrance to the Northwich Memorial Court car park.

Northwich Town Council has been given permission by Cheshire West and Chester Council to paint the balls gold, and they will remain that colour for 12 months.

“At an extraordinary meeting of the town council councillors emphatically agreed to award the freedom of the town to ‘son of Northwich’ Matt Langridge,” said councillor Sam Naylor.

“We asked Cheshire West for permission to paint the blue balls sculpture gold because it’s an iconic feature of the town.

“You cannot miss it, and painting it gold will make it very eye-catching and a stand-out feature.

“A few minutes before the bus parade comes through town a thousand Union Jacks will be handed out, and we are encouraging children to come down and wave the flags.

“We would like to see as many people as possible come along for the homecoming, which is going to be a special day for Matthew and the town.”

Matthew said he was 'overwhelmed' by the celebrations which are being planned in his honour.

He said: "I feel completely overwhelmed by the fact that the whole town wants to do something to celebrate my achievements and that people are so interested in what I have done -  to be honest, I'm a bit lost for words by it all.

"I'm really flattered and overwhelmed by the support the town has shown me, and feel very honoured by the effort they are putting into welcoming me home.

"Although I live in Henley I have always called Northwich my home, and the support I have received from the town has been incredible.

"I'm very excited about the day, and look forward to seeing everyone as a very proud Northwich boy."

Cllr Naylor put his suggestion of the homecoming to the town council after receiving backing for the idea from Joyce Hooper, president of Northwich Rowing Club, where Matthew was a member.

The civic celebrations are backed by Northwich Independent Retailers Association, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Northwich Rowing Club.

The parade starts from Verdin Park at midday. It will cross Town Bridge, through the Bull Ring and along Watling Street before turning left into Meadow Street.

After passing The Penny Black it turns right at Birtwistles butchers, against the flow of the gyratory system, down Venables Road.

It then turns right back onto Watling Street before turning left into the entrance for the Cumberland Street car park and ends at the riverside entrance of Memorial Court.

There will be a ceremony on the steps of Memorial Court, followed by a civic reception inside the building.