DOUBLE Olympic gold medal hero Steven Burke is set to make history in his home town again – after plans to name him Colne’s first freeman for 46 years were passed.

The Colne Cyclone is already being feted by townsfolk next Saturday with a homecoming parade and civic reception at the town hall, in the wake of his team sprint triumph at the Rio games.

But now town councillors have revived a forgotten tradition to further honour the 28-year-old former Park High pupil.

An extraordinary meeting was called to debate proposals to restore the council’s powers to award freemanships again.

Town council chairman Cllr Sarah Cockburn-Price said: “This was last done in 1970 and was granted then to County Alderman Walmsley Riddiough. Many of our councillors weren’t even born then.

“Councillors then unanimously resolved that the Freemanship of Colne should be granted to our double Olympic champion, Steven Burke.

“It’s not something that we will probably be making a habit of. But it’s nice to make an exception in Steven’s case.

“He’s already been made a Freeman of Pendle but we are also proud of him as a Colner as well.”

Yesterday the ace cyclist, who also attended Nelson and Colne College before becoming a permanent fixture at Manchester Velodrome, voiced his approval for the plan via his Twitter account.

While on holiday in Thailand with his partner Kate Higgins, he said: “Really happy to become a Freeman of Colne as well as Pendle very soon! #colnerandproud.”

Town councillors have already approached a calligrapher, to complete the official declaration, which will be presented at the parade.

He qualified for a gold postbox, after his team win at the London Olympics, and it is located outside The Venue, in Albert Road.

Even his first school got in on the act recently, with Park Primary painting its entrance gate gold in tribute to their old boy.

The upcoming parade will be Steven’s second, after he was also treated to one after his bronze medal performance at the Beijing games.

Steven’s illustrious predecessor, Walmsley Riddiough, could also boast an impeccable sporting pedigree. He was a past president of Colne Amateur Swimming Club, Colne Cricket Club and Colne Golf Club.

The official declaration for Mr Riddiough, who was also chairman of Nelson and Colne College and Colne Young Farmers Club, is held at Colne Library.