BRADLEY Wiggins has been offered the freedom of the borough of Chorley after adding to his Tour de France victory with an Olympic gold medal yesterday.

The 32-year-old, who lives in Eccleston and often trains in East Lancashire, became the first Briton ever to win the Tour de France last month and built on that with his fourth career Olympic gold in yesterday afternoon’s time trial.

His total Olympic medal haul of seven is a new British record.

Bosses at Chorley Council have now decided to honour his achievements by awarding him the freedom of the borough.

Councillor Peter Wilson, deputy leader of Chorley Council, said: “It has been truly fantastic to see the effect Bradley Wiggins’ success has had on people, not just in Chorley, but across the country.

“It has been brilliant to see a Chorley resident become such an inspiration to others both here and across the world.

“He has acted with such dignity and humility throughout the past few weeks.

“We thought it was only right we offered him the highest honour possible we can give to a resident.”

Wiggins won gold by 42 seconds from German Tony Martin at Hampton Court Palace.

Fellow Brit Chris Froome, was second in the Tour de France, took the bronze medal.

”I don’t think my sporting career will ever top this,” Wiggins said.

“What a month it’s been.

“I won the Tour de France and the time trial in London at the Olympic Games and that’s it now – it’s never ever going to get any better than that. It’s phenomenal.”