DOUBLE Paralympic gold medallist Natasha Baker was awarded the Freedom of the Borough by Hillingdon this week.

Council leader Ray Puddifoot said: “I am sure the whole council and the residents we represent would wish to join together in congratulating Natasha for her truly remarkable, inspirational achievement.

The British Paralympian dressage team received 11 medals in total, with Natasha, 22, making her Paralympic debut and setting records in both the individual and grade II freestyle events.

"I said, when I was ten years old, that I wanted to go to a Paralympic Games and come home with a gold, but I never thought it would be my first Games, at home. That is incredible," said Natasha.
"When I got on that podium, I saw all the flags and everybody cheering and it was just 'wow'. I will never forget it."

Natasha, who lives in Cowley, attended Bishop Ramsey School, Ruislip.
The school spoke this week of the pride staff and students had in her achievements.

The Royal Mail has painted the post box at Uxbridge station gold in her honour.

The Freedom is the highest tribute that a borough can bestow and allows freemen and women to take part in all important ceremonial occasions in the borough.