Olympic stars get freedom of city

Chris Hoy and Jason Kenny battled each other for gold in Beijing

Great Britain's Olympic cycling team is to be given the freedom of the city of Manchester, it has been announced.

The team, which brought home seven gold medals from Beijing, will be honoured for its Olympic performance and for helping raise the profile of the sport.

Legendary England and Manchester United footballer Sir Bobby Charlton, 70, will also receive the honour.

Manchester City Council said a civic reception would be held for them in the city at a date yet to be fixed.

City training

A council spokeswoman said: "We can today confirm that the Great Britain Olympic cycling team will be honoured with the freedom of the city.

"This will be at a civic reception in the town hall.

She added: "The team will be honoured for their achievements in Beijing and what they have done for cycling as a sport in this country."

The cycling team is based at the National Cycling Centre at Manchester Velodrome.

Other people to receive the freedom of the city include Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, the crew of the HMS Manchester and astronomer Sir Bernard Lovell.

Media personality and music mogul Anthony Wilson was added to the list after his death last year.