Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson and four-time Olympian Donna Fraser have been awarded Freedom of the Borough, the highest civic honour a local authority can give.

At a special Croydon Council meeting Roy and Donna, who both grew up and went to school in Croydon, were nominated for their contributions to their communities as well as their sporting achievements.

Donna grew up in Thornton Heath and her career saw her compete in four Olympic Games. Donna has been an ambassador for many organisations including Breast Cancer Now (after being diagnosed with the illness in 2009) and is UK Athletics’ Vice President and Equality, Diversity and Engagement Lead.

Donna said: “I’m ecstatic. When I told my parents they were going ballistic. My parents came here in the 1960s, they were told Croydon was the best place to be, and they’ve never left.

“It’s so overwhelming and it’s absolutely positive. 

“It’s a great honour and I’m really happy to be given that honour.”