It was a double celebration for two of our Paralympic heroes as they were granted freedom of Cheshire East borough.

Sarah Storey, 34, and her husband Barney, 35, were two of seven stars of this summer's games to be bestowed with the historic honour.

It topped off a fantastic week for the couple, who also announced they are expecting their first baby.

Sarah, originally from Poynton, now living in Disley, won four golds this summer to take her career tally to 11,  making her Britain's most decorated Paralympian.

Barney won his third gold as the sighted pilot for paralympic cyclist Neil Fachie.

The couple were joined by Wilmslow-based cyclist Craig MacLean and Knutsford sailor Niki Birrell at a special council meeting last week.

Macclesfield-born sailing legend Ben Ainslie was unable to attend along with Victoria Pendleton, who lives in Wilmslow and gymnast Beth Tweddle from Bunbury.

Ben was originally absent from the list of stars to be recognised but the council last month agreed to honour him after calls from the Express and town leaders. Their certificates will be sent on to them.

Mayor of Cheshire East Coun George Walton said: “The legislation says that Freemen should have ‘rendered eminent service’, and there is no doubt that these seven athletes have done this.

“They have not only made significant achievements in their chosen sport, but they have also contributed to the wider community and Cheshire East.”

As well as the Freedom of the Borough each  athletes will have a street named after them. The  locations  will be decided later.

Leader of CEC Coun Michael Jones said: “To have seven top athletes from Cheshire East is quite remarkable and hopefully this will inspire both children and adults to take part in sport and maybe provide the Olympic and Paralympic stars of tomorrow.”

Sarah and Ben Ainslie were both shortlisted for the BBC Sport Personality of the Year gong which was won by cyclist Bradley Wiggins.