Edinburgh Award's judging panel back Hoy for honour

MEMBERS of the judging panel for the annual Edinburgh Award have lent their support to calls for Olympic hero Chris Hoy to be the next winner.

The cyclist, who became the first British person in 100 years to win three gold medals at a single Games, would become only the third winner of the annual award after authors Ian Rankin and JK Rowling.

The special trophy is presented to people who have brought honour to the city.

The Evening News revealed yesterday that city leader Jenny Dawe, who sits on the judging panel, believes Hoy would be a fitting recipient of the award.

The judging panel for the award consists of political group leaders, and business and voluntary sector representatives.

Green group leader Alison Johnstone said: "I can't think of a more deserving person than Chris Hoy. We would be very hard-pressed to find anyone in the entire world who has achieved what he has."

Labour group leader Andrew Burns added: "There's no doubt that Chris Hoy's triple gold medal achievement would be deserving of the Edinburgh Award."