OLYMPIC heroes are to lead Clitheroe’s historic torchlight procession after a civic reception in their honour.

Ribble Valley Council are to host a special event where Olympians Samantha Murray and Jon Schofield will be presented with commemorative salvers.

Following the reception, the athletes will lead the torchlight procession through Clitheroe’s cheering crowds.

Bronze medal winning canoeist Jon Schofield and silver medallist modern pentathlete Samantha Murray were also guests of honour with fellow East Lancashire Olympians at Burnley Football Club’s first match of the season against Bolton on Saturday.

It was the first public appearance in the area for Jon, from Sawley, and Samantha, from Clitheroe.

Now they will be recognised by the borough on Saturday when Ribble Valley mayor Ian Sayers, will present the salvers at the reception at 5pm in the Ribble Valley Civic Suite, Clitheroe.

Samantha tweeted her excitement on hearing the news. She said: “Really looking forward to my civic reception in Clitheroe on Saturday followed by the torchlight procession.”

Jon said: “It’s absolutely amazing for us to be recognised by our local community.

“It’s really humbling. We’ve both been away for a long time and this is a great homecoming.”

Clitheroe mayor Coun Allan Knox said: “I was in London watching the closing ceremony when everyone was sending me messages saying we must do something to mark this wonderful time. The torchlight procession is to highlight the Olympics and what better way to do that than with our very own successful Olympians?”

Extensive road closures and a large number of spectators are expected at the event. For details, visit clitheroetowncouncil.gov.uk/torchlight.