Freedom day in Corsham for Stephanie (From This Is Wiltshire)

Final preparations are under way as Corsham gets ready to honour its Paralympian, Stephanie Millward, by granting her the freedom of the town tomorrow.

Corsham High Street will be closed between 10.30am and 1pm, as Miss Millward leads a parade from the Methuen Arms to the Town Hall.

Once there, she will be presented with the freedom of Corsham by town council chairman Peter Antsey.

The celebration is due to begin with an opening ceremony performed by students from the town’s primary schools, as well as music from Corsham Town Band.

Councillor Antsey said: “Wiltshire Council has generously given us free parking, to celebrate the legacy of last summer, and the team at the Town Hall have done a marvellous job in involving all the local schools.

“I think it should be a magnificent procession along the High Street.”

The swimmer, who has multiple sclerosis, won five medals at last summer’s Paralympic Games and regularly coaches young people in the town.

Cllr Antsey said: “I think that’s probably the most important thing we should be recognising; the enthusiasm she instils in other youngsters to succeed at their chosen sport.

“The whole town seems to be behind it and I am sure it will do the town a world of good to have the celebration to commemorate her success.”

Many businesses in the town are getting involved in the celebrations.

Strakers estate agency is planning a full window display for the parade, while Michael Thomas, owner of Thomas’s butchers in High Street, is producing a limited edition sausage to mark the occasion.

He said: “I’ve been speaking to Steph about it and she’s given us a few ideas of the ingredients she likes.

“We’ve got three options so far: tomato, chive and herb; caramelised onion and garlic, which is the low-fat, healthy option; or venison and blackberry.

“Steph’s favourite will be on sale as soon as the parade starts on Saturday.

“We wanted to do something to help celebrate this special day for Corsham.”