A CIVIC reception for Tavistock's Olympic star Kate Allenby is being planned by West Devon Borough Council when she returns from Australia.
Kate won the bronze medal in the modern pentathlon, the first time the event has ever been included in the Olympic Games.
Cllr Christine Grills, mayor of West Devon, has already congratulated Kate on her wonderful achievement — and the pentathlete has e-mailed the council with a special message for the people of Tavistock.
She said: 'Winning my bronze medal has been the proudest moment of my life. It is the end of a dream I conceived many years ago whilst living in Middlemoor, Tavistock.'
Kate said to have her dream come true is 'almost unbelievable'.
'I look at my medal and think of all the years work I have done and all the help from so many people who have supported me.
'My first swimming lessons were at Kelly College, my first riding lessons in Yelverton, my first shooting lesson at Tavistock Pistol Club and my first fencing lesson in Plymouth Fencing Club — the club who put me on the road to being a multi-sport athlete was Spooners and West Dartmoor Pony Club.
'If I didn't have the good fortune to meet all these people, I would never have been here today — thank you Tavistock!'
Cllr Grills said she was thrilled for Kate and her family.
'All credit must go to her. She is a superb sportswoman,' she said.
Borough spokesman Alison Stoneham said as soon as the council heard when Kate will next be in Tavistock, an appropriate celebration will be arranged to celebrate her major achievement.
Tavistock Town Council is also planning a civic reception for Kate.