Fantastic five honoured at Civic ceremony

Commonwealth gold medallists Matthew Hudson-Smith and Kristian Thomas joined silver medal-winning cyclist Andy Tennant, bronze medal-winning wrestler Chinu Singh and Invictus Games wheelchair basketball gold medallist Andrew Roberts as guests of honour of Wolverhampton Mayor Councillor Michael Heap.

"These young men are role models for our youngsters and I hope they inspire the next generation of sportsmen and sportswomen," the mayor said.

Gymnast Thomas, who picked up gold in the team event and two silvers in the vault and horizontal bars in Glasgow, described the ceremony as a 'proud moment.'

The 25-year-old, who trains with Earls Gymnastics Club in Halesowen, also spoke about his relief that Team GB would stay united after the result of the Scottish referendum.

He said: "We have three lads who are in our team who competed for Scotland at the Commonwealth Games.

"Obviously, we were worried that the result could have had a profound effect on the dynamic of the team."

Sprinter Hudson-Smith, 19, picked up gold in the 4x400m relay. The former Castlecroft Primary School pupil said: "Not in a million years did I expect to be in the mayor's chamber getting an honour."

Tennant, who picked up silver in the men's 4,000m team pursuit final, added: "It is an honour to be invited here and meet other successful athletes from other sports."

Chinu Singh, 27, from Oldbury, picked up a bronze in the 125kg wrestling competition.

The Wolverhampton Wrestling Club member said: "This is a very nice moment for me and my family."

Roberts, of Ashmore Park, was part of the British squad that beat the favourites USA in the final at the Invictus Games, and said: "I really hope the Games return. Prince Harry told us we are ambassadors."