Hynd trains with able-bodied swimmers to push himself further

Paralympic gold and bronze medallist Sam Hynd could get the freedom of his home town in Nottinghamshire to honour his achievements.

Councillors plan to give the swimmer the freedom of Mansfield along with Olympic heroine Rebecca Adlington.

The 17-year-old swimmer won gold in the 400m freestyle and bronze in the 200m individual medley events in Beijing.

Coach Glenn Smith told BBC Radio Nottingham: "It's fantastic the town is going to recognise his achievements."

Mansfield now has two Olympic champions both from the same sport Coach Glenn Smith

Hynd, who trains with the Nottinghamshire-based Nova Centurions, has a uromuscular myopathy which restricts the use of his hands and legs in the water.

Smith said: "With the achievements of Sam and Rebecca, the past few weeks have been tremendous.

"Mansfield now has two champions both from the same sport and it's fantastic for the town and the area."

The district council will need to approve the move before the honour can be awarded.