COUNCILS in two towns bursting with pride at the Olympic success of Amy Tinkler have teamed up to organise an open-top bus parade.

Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor Town Councils are drawing up plans to celebrate the 16-year-old's bronze medal in the women's gymnastics floor exercise.

On Saturday, September 3 the teenager will parade her medal through home town Bishop Auckland, Byers Green, which will be hosting its carnival, and Spennymoor, where she trains.

The tour is expected to start at about 11.30am and will end at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, home of her club South Durham Gymnastics Club, for a private function.

Durham County Council is also looking at supporting the event, possibly by providing the venue for a private party.

Leader of Spennymoor Town Council, Councillor Ian Geldard said: "It is one of the biggest sporting achievements we have seen in the area, it is amazing to have an Olympic medallist and for her to be one of the youngest.

"We all wanted to mark that, so she can see how much support there is here and so local people can get involved in the celebration."

Ann Golightly, Mayor of Bishop Auckland, added: “We’re absolutely thrilled about Amy’s success at the Rio Olympics.

"Her achievement has been felt throughout the town and I’ve been approached by many people asking what the Town Council is doing to celebrate her fantastic success.

"It is fitting that the town has an opportunity to congratulate Amy. ”

Cllr Geldard added: "We'll be putting all the information out there and asking groups and sports clubs to come out and get involved."