A NORTH-EAST sporting hero received another honour to go with his gold medals yesterday - the official recognition of his own people.
Olympic champion triple jumper Jonathan Edwards MBE was granted the honorary freedom of the borough of Gateshead at a ceremony at Gateshead Civic Centre.
The gold medal winner at the Sydney Olympics, a member of the Gateshead Harriers, was conferred with the honour in recognition of his contribution to sport in the borough.
Leader of the council George Gill performed the ceremony, and the Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Michael Turnbull, was in attendance.
Jonathan Edwards joined the Gateshead Harriers while studying at Durham University. He recently turned on the Christmas lights in the town
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