FORMER Olympic marathon runner and world record breaker Ron Hill is to receive Hyndburn’s highest honour.

Dr Hill, 73, who attended Springhill and Accrington Grammar School, will be given the Freedom of the Borough at a ceremony on July 10.

Dr Hill competed in two Olympic marathons – Tokyo 1964 and Munich 1972 – and also competed in the 10,000 metres at the 1968 Mexico games.

He won gold medals for the marathon at the European Championships in 1969 and the Commonwealth Games in 1970.

He was the second man to run under 2 hours 10 minutes in the marathon and also set world records at four other distances.

Leader of the council, Miles Parkinson, said: “Ron’s career has been illustrious, and he’s done so much to encourage other athletes throughout the years.

“It’s nice that in Olympic year, we can celebrate his achievements in the borough where it all started.”

Dr Hill has maintained the feat of running at least a mile every day for the past 47 years.

He also keeps his links with his old running clubs, the Clayton Harriers and Accrington Road Runners.

After graduating from university with a PhD in textile chemistry, Ron became convinced of the benefits of synthetic materials for runners.

In 1970 he started Ron Hill Sports, which pioneered various products including wrap-over shorts, mesh vests, waterproof running jackets and reflective strips.