SHAW cycling Olympic champion Matt Walls is set to be given the "freedom of the borough" with councillors set to approve the prestigious title next week.

Walls, 23, struck gold in the omnium event in Tokyo last month before claiming silver alongside teammate Ethan Hayter in the madison a couple of days later.

Following his roaring success on the saddle, calls were made for the former Crompton House School student to be given the Freeman of the Borough of Oldham title.

And on Wednesday, September 8, at 6pm a special 10-minute meeting of the council will take place before the full council meeting in which councillors will consider giving the honour to Walls.

Being awarded the freedom of the borough allows those awarded the title the right to march through Oldham on ceremonial occasions with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and colours flying.

A council document prepared for the meeting states: "A nomination has been received for Matthew Walls.

"Full council may, at special council meeting by formal resolution, bestow the honours of Honorary Freeman and the resolution should be passed by no less than two-thirds of the members at a special meeting of the Council.

"A formal presentation will take place at a special ceremony at a later date.

"Matthew attended St Josephs Primary School in Shaw and Crompton House Secondary School.

"He started cycling after performing particularly well in the cycling leg of a school triathlon, inspiring him to join a local cycling team.

"He quickly progressed up the ranks and won the madison and team pursuit events with Team GB at the European Junior Track Championships in 2016.

"A national champion in omnium a year later and picking up senior placings, including a UCI World Cup gold in London in 2018, Matt claimed omnium bronze at the Track Cycling World Championships last year.

"The resolution must be passed by a two thirds majority of the members in attendance at the meeting."

The document states the council recommend to "admit Matthew Walls to be Honorary Freeman of Oldham as in the opinion of the council (that he has) rendered eminent services to the borough of Oldham".