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A campaign has been launched to have 1964 Olympic gold medalist Mary Bignal Rand, who was born in Wells, awarded the Freedom of the City of Wells – an honour that has recently been conferred on HMS Somerset, Last Tommy Harry Patch, Archbishop George Carey and Wells Carnival stalwart Nancy Dodd.

Should Mary Bignal Rand be given the Freedom of Wells? What do you think? Here are some comments from Facebook.

Martin Coppell: I don't think it is appropriate because we already have three things contributed to her efforts within the City of Wells for all to see, the plaque in the market place, the road named after her -- Bignal Rand Drive and the Athletic Ground in Rowdens Road.

That is enough, and just because the Olympics are coming to London and Weymouth this year is not a excuse for giving this award.

Only the campaign organiser Tony Williams and Co can remember seeing her efforts as they are that old to have done so.

If you went out on the streets of Wells tomorrow, people would all say who was she?

After all the Olympics are a complete farce, it is the most drug related sports in the world, full of cheats who try to achieve perfection whatever it takes.

My vote would be for Michael Eavis, he has been over more Hurdles than Mary Bignal Rand with all due respect.

Laura Hegarty: As Mary's niece I would just like to point out our entire family are from Wells. I'd like to think my family will be remembered for a long time.

They came from nothing and Mary earned everything she had. Surely that's something to really praise.

For the people who don't know who she is, fair enough. But she played a huge part. She was the first woman from this country to get that gold. As spokesperson for the entire family, we are incredibly proud of what Mary has achieved in her life, showing others that even in adversity you can reach the top.

Just because she's old it doesn't make a difference. That's a crazy and disrespectful thing to say. If this was a member of your family who earned a gold medal and heaps of others wouldn't a comment like that seem rude? I'm 30, I wasn't alive, but have worn her medals and have read every clipping from the media.

You should also appreciate that all the relatives are reading such comments.

Lynne Joice: I totally agree with the comments from Mary's niece, well done for enlightening those who do not know the history of that achievement.

To join the debate go to the website www.facebook.com/ wellsjournal.