21 September 2012 Last updated at 01:57 ET

Double Olympic gold medallist Tom James is to be granted the freedom of Wrexham borough in recognition of his achievement at the London 2012 and Beijing 2008 Games.

Rower James, 28, struck gold in the men's coxless fours race at both Games.

The freedom will be presented at a special council meeting next Friday.

Wrexham's two other athletes, rower Chris Bartley, who won silver and rower Victoria Thornley will be honoured at the meeting.

"All of this has happened so quickly in such a short space of time," said James. "I think it is going to take a while for everything to sink in and to appreciate exactly what it means.

"I'm very grateful and I feel really lucky and privileged to have been given freedom of the borough.

"To be honoured in this way is pretty special and I am grateful to everyone involved."

He added: "This event feels extra special because it is one of the final Olympic celebration events and it will cap off what has been a whirlwind past few months."

Neil Rogers, leader of Wrexham Council, said the three athletes have played their part in inspiring a generation, something the London Organising Committee hoped to achieve with the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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Olympian gets freedom of Wrexham