Olympic legend Mo Farah will be granted freedom of the borough in recognition of his achievements at London 2012.

The long distance runner, who trained at St Mary’s University, in Strawberry Hill, between 2001 and 2010, sealed his place in athletics history when he became only the seventh man, and first Brit, to win gold in both the 5,000m and 10,000m.

Richmond Council said it wanted to pay tribute to Farah, who still has a home in Teddington, by offering him the highest honour it can bestow.

Lord True, leader of Richmond Council, said: “Mo’s achievement this summer was phenomenal. It has been many years since we have seen an athlete so talented and the discipline and dedication that he has shown should be celebrated as part of the Olympic legacy.

“It has been fantastic to see the effect his success has had on people, not just in Richmond, but across the country. There have been scores of people out to Teddington to visit his golden post box and he has become such an inspiration to others both here and across the world, acting as an ambassador for our borough.

“He has acted with such dignity throughout the past few weeks in which he has won not one but two medals that we thought it was only right we offered him the highest honour possible we can give to a resident.”

The authority said it hoped to hold a special ceremony early next year.

It comes after Farah’s extraordinary success in the Olympics led to huge support in Richmond for the popular athlete.

Tourists and residents have been flocking to see his gold post box, in Broad Street, Teddington, and strike his trademark Mobot pose.    

Farah, who still trains at St Mary’s University when he is in the UK, asked Royal Mail to place its tribute to him near the Sweatshop store where he used to work.