OLYMPIC silver medalist James Savory has been awarded the Freedom of the Town in Barry in recognition of his sporting achievements.

Barry man James, who has notched up an array of sporting triumphs - most notably winning a silver medal in sprint kayaking at the Special Olympics in Los Angeles this July - was awarded the honour by Barry Town Council last week.

James was joined by his family and friends to receive the honour where Mayor of Barry Emma Pritchard described James as a “determined individual who was proof that you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it".

She added that she was proud to support the motion that James Savory be admitted as an Honorary Freeman of Barry Town.”

Leader of Barry Town Council, Councillor Stuart Egan said: “It was an honour and a privilege to support the motion and James was an inspiration to young people and had made Barry extremely proud.”

Councillor Nic Hodges added: “James is a credit to all young people and was well deserving of the honour for not only his achievements in sport, but to his commitment to fundraising and community work.”

The act of granting an individual Freedom of the Town - known as Honorary Freeman - is now seen as an honorary title and is only awarded to those who have “rendered eminent services to the Town" and is the highest honour a council can bestow.

The last time Barry Town Council bestowed this honour was earlier this year to Lee Selby and, prior to this, 11 years ago to celebrate swimmer David Davies and his success at achieving a silver medal in the Olympic Games.