SPORTING heroes from Special Olympics Redditch were thanked at a recent council meeting for their sterling efforts earlier in the year at Great Britain’s National Summer Games.

The squad, described at the meeting as the 'pride of Redditch' won 16 medals from the games, the country’s largest multi-sports event for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

It was held in Sheffield and saw around 2,600 athletes of all ages and abilities come together from across the country.

They were honoured at the town hall in August, after the games, but were invited to go back by Redditch Council leader Bill Hartnett.

Cllr Hartnett said: "A big congratulations to Redditch Special Olympics who joined the West Midland team in the games in Sheffield.

"A nine-strong squad and each one won at least one medal each - it was a great achievement."