A MUM who became an IFFA World Field Archery champion after training in her garden has been awarded the Freedom of Barry.

Single mum Teresa Goodwin, 37, began the sport five years ago after taking part in an activity holiday with her then eight-year-old son Daniel.

Ms Goodwin, of Montgomery Road, Barry, has since gone on to become a world champion after winning the sport's premiere international tournament held in Australia, in September last year.

Ms Goodwin was admitted as an “Honorary Freeman of the Town of Barry” at an extraordinary meeting of Barry Town Council on Thursday, March 9.

Barry town mayor, Cllr Charlotte Williams presented her with the Scroll of Admission.

She becomes the second woman, after Barry MP Dorothy Rees, to receive the honour and joins world champion boxer Lee Selby and swimming Olympian David Davies as a ‘Freeman’ of the town.

Ms Goodwin said: “I feel really honoured. It’s for everybody. You can achieve whatever age you are from the age of seven to 80.

“Tonight made me realise on how far I've come in my sport in a short space of time and how much more I can achieve.”

Barry Town Council leader, Cllr Emma Pritchard said the award was fitting coming in the week of International Women’s Day.

Councillor Ian Johnson said it recognised what people can achieve with time and effort.

Barry & District News reporter, Sharon Harris nominated Ms Goodwin for the honour.

She said: “Teresa deserves recognition for putting Barry on the World map. She is an inspiring role model for all ages and her achievements illustrate that trying something new can lead to discovering a hidden talent.”

Ms Goodwin, who is the chairwoman of the Llantwit Major Archers club, is only the fifth Welsh archer to become a World Champion.