Date: 04/08/2012. Story submitted by: dalegriffin

Sheffield is celebrating after Jessica Ennis won gold in the women's heptathlon at the London 2012 Olympics.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has called for Jessica to be granted Freedom of the City.

Mr Clegg, who is also MP for Sheffield Hallam, said: “As a Sheffield MP, seeing local girl Jess win gold has been the highlight of the Olympics so far.

"Her truly inspirational victory has done our country and Sheffield proud.

“I can’t think of any better way to mark this outstanding achievement than granting Jess Freedom of the City.”

Council Leader Julie Dore was also quick to praise Jess, releasing a statement just minutes after her win on Saturday night.

Coun Dore said: "The whole of Sheffield is buzzing with excitement and filled with pride for our Olympic Champion, Jessica Ennis.

"A homegrown gold medal winner being born and bred in the city, Jessica is truly 'Made in Sheffield' and we are bursting with joy to take her see Olympic gold.

"After being unable to compete in Beijing in 2008 due to injury, taking gold in London in 2012 is fantastic news and well deserved.

"I know the whole city has been behind her throughout her Olympic journey, and yet again she has done us proud."

Coun Dore added: "Jessica is known and admired by sports fans across the world and is an ideal role model for young people not only here in Sheffield but nationally.

"She is a great ambassador for the city and a fantastic role model to inspire and encourage our next generation of rising sports stars."

Jessica herself tweeted: "I can't thank everyone enough for the support they have given me over the past few weeks! I'm blown away! Can't believe I'm Olympic Champion!"

Jessica, 26, a psychology graduate of the University of Sheffield, won the medal after achieving three personal bests in the first six events of the competition.

She smashed the UK record for the 100m hurdles in 12.54 seconds, which is also the fastest time ever recorded by a female heptathlete in the event.

The final event - the 800m - secured her the gold medal after she won the event with a time of 2 minutes 8.65 seconds.

Her final points total for the heptathlon was 6,955, beating her closest rival Tatyana Chernova by 327 points.

Her win was watched by a crowd of over 80,000 including the Prime Minister and Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.