ISLAND cyclist Mark Cavendish will receive the Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Douglas award on April 14.

The cyclist was awarded the accolade in August 2008 but has not yet collected it.

The Mayor of Douglas, councillor Ritchie McNicholl, will present Mark with the honour at a special event held at Douglas Town Hall.

The Manx-born multiple Tour de France stage winner, acknowledged as one of the world's fastest sprint cyclists, joins an illustrious roll call of Honorary Freemen of the Borough that includes Sir Winston Churchill, the late Sir Norman Wisdom OBE, and the Bee Gees.

Council leader David Christian said: "The council is pleased to have the opportunity to present Mark Cavendish with his illuminated address and officially bestow on him the Honorary Freeman of the Borough in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of international cycle racing and his service as an ambassador for the Isle of Man.

"It is especially fitting that the presentation, to such a world-class Manx sporting personality, should be taking place in the year when all eyes will be on the Isle of Man - and on Douglas in particular – when the Commonwealth Youth Games are held here in September and also at a time when excitement is mounting over the 2012 Olympic Games in which we wish him every success."

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