OLYMPIC swimmer Helen Don-Duncan has been hailed a local hero.

And Seneley Green Parish councillors are so proud of her achievements that they have presented her with a special award.

Although Helen, who lives in Langholme Road, Garswood, missed out on the medals in Sydney, finishing seventh in the 200 metres backstroke final, she performed superbly. Councillor Jim Stevenson, chairman of Seneley Green Parish Council, who presented Helen with her award, said: "We have followed Helen's progress for some time and, as a local girl, we are very proud of her achievements.

"We sent her a congratulations telegram while she was out at the Sydney Olympics and decided to give her this award as a continued token of our support for her."

Helen is currently studying for a Sports Science degree at Coventry University.

But she is already hard at work in the pool again preparing for trials to win selection in the World Championships.