Paralympic hero Shelly Woods has come home with two well deserved medals from Beijing and now Blackpool Council is set to add to her haul by striking a special civic medal in her honour.

Born and brought up in Blackpool, 22-year-old Shelly’s outstanding sporting achievements are being celebrated and applauded by the council which also employers her.

“Shelly’s a fantastic inspiration to us all,” said Peter Callow, leader of Blackpool Council.

“Her tenacity in Beijing was supreme, especially when you consider that she had a silver medal taken from her and had to race the same race again.

“The whole town was behind Shelly and her medal wins created a real buzz around Blackpool which cemented the idea of this special medal.

“The council has never given a civic medal before and I am personally delighted that there has been cross party support by all three political parties to celebrate Shelly’s achievements in this unique way and we’re now commissioning a special medal to give to her.

“Shelly, who went to Claremont Primary School and then Highfield High School, has done much of her training in Stanley Park so she’s certainly entrenched in the Blackpool spirit and we salute her.”

Shelly has been employed by the council as a sporting champion who goes into primary and secondary schools in Blackpool talking to the children and students about what its like to be an elite athletes.

Shelly will attend a council meeting to receive a standing ovation on Wednesday, October 24.

Her civic medal will be presented later at a suitable occasion.