Fifty years ago, he was every schoolboy's hero.

The tall, long-legged Oxford student with the floppy hair thrilled the world when he broke the athlete's version of the sound barrier at the Iffley Road ground in Oxford.

Roger Bannister's name and those of his pacemakers, Christopher Chataway and Chris Brasher, were on everyone's lips.

This was the age of sporting heroes, before pop musicians and film stars of dubious moral character hogged the headlines of every newspaper, broadsheet or tabloid.

Over the years, Sir Roger became an established academic in the city to which he came as a 17-year-old, culminating in a distinguished career as Master of Pembroke College.

His children were born here and he is now a proud grandfather too.

Who better deserves the freedom of Oxford? When he is presented with that scroll of honour, many will remember that May day in 1954 when he wrote his name for ever into the record books.

A well-deserved honour, Sir Roger.