Winners twice over

ADDING another medal to their ever-growing collections here are Cleveland sporting superstars Denise Ross and Paul Curran.

Commonwealth Games double gold medal cyclist Paul, and Denise, who scooped two medals at the first-ever world games for the disabled, were presented with a special Stockton medal to mark their achievements. They were invited to a civic reception by the Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Ken Craggs, right, who presented them with an inscribed medallion each - the same tribute received by international swimmer Samantha Purvis last month.

"They've both helped put Stockton on the map and done very well," said Councillor Craggs, pictured with his Mayoress wife Eileen.

"I'm very proud that on behalf of Stockton Borough I can show them how much we appreciate them."

Blind athlete Denise, of Baffin Court, Thornaby, said: "This is a lovely gesture. It's now coming out that not just blind people but other handicapped people can get involved in sport and have great achievements."

Paul, left, of Richardson Road, Thornaby, who snatched the 105-mile road race gold and a gold in the 100 kilometre team trial, said: "I'm very pleased about this, and honoured."