Rio Olympics 2016: Joe Clarke to turn on Stafford's Christmas lights

Councillors unanimously voted for Joe to be granted the Freedom of the Borough at a special meeting on Tuesday night.

And leader of the council, Patrick Farrington, who proposed granting the honour to Joe, also revealed that the Stafford and Stone Canoe Club paddler had agreed to turn on the Christmas Lights in Stafford on November 19.

Joe claimed Team GB's second gold of the Rio Olympics in the K1 men's slalom.

He said it would be an "honour" to receive the Borough Freedom and switch on the lights.

It is expected Joe will be granted the Freedom by the Mayor of Stafford Borough, Councillor Geoff Collier, on stage in the town's Market Square in front of thousands of people and families. The afternoon will include live music and a spectacular firework display from the top of the Guildhall Shopping Centre in the middle of town.

The event will also be relayed on big screens so people along the streets leading to the Market Square will be able to see the ceremony and entertainment.

Members of the Borough Council agreed to award the honour to Joe as a 'person of distinction' at the special meeting.

Councillor Farrington, said: "I was glued to the TV and it was a fantastic to see a local sportsman winning the gold medal, with his family cheering him on from the side lines.

"But this honour is not just about that achievement - it is the way he has been a great ambassador for the sport, the Stafford and Stone Canoe Club, and our borough on a global scale.

He added: "We have been in contact with Joe and has said it would be an honour to receive freedom of the Borough and also agreed to turn on the Christmas Lights."

More details about the Christmas Lights switch on in Stafford will be available closer to the event from www.staffordbc .gov.uk/christmas