Flint to honour gold medallist Jade

Organisers have announced a Pride of Flint street fair, which will be held later this month on Church Street, in the wake of taekwon-do star Jade Jones becoming the first British athlete to win a gold medal in the Youth Olympics.

Flint residents will get the chance to meet martial arts ace Jade.

Organiser Wendy Houghton said: “We have many talented youngsters living in Flint. It is wonderful that a town as small as Flint can produce the first British Youth Olympics gold and that can never be taken away.

“We want to celebrate what Jade has done and we also have other people from Flint who are enjoying success in their own sports. We are calling this the Pride of Flint and this is what we want to showcase.

“We have not organised an event like this before and we hope as many people as possible will come along. Everyone is welcome. We want this to be a day of celebration for Flint.”

Flint High School pupil Jade, 17, is being hailed as the town’s greatest sporting success since footballing legend Ian Rush after her global glory in Singapore last month.

After reaching the final, Jade floored Thanh Thao Nguyen, of Vietnam, to claim the gold medal.

Cllr David Cox, of Flint Coleshill ward, believes every effort should be taken to celebrate Jade’s achievements in Singapore.

He said: “I am pleased to see something is being done in Jade’s honour. We should be recognising people like her. What Jade achieved was marvellous.

"It is now important support is continued to be given to her in terms of sponsorship to give her the best chance possible of her enjoying a successful career.”

The event on Sunday, September 19 will run from noon until about 7pm and will include activities such as a balloon race, bouncy castle and performances by morris dancers. Profits from the day will be awarded to nominated charities.

The police will close the road on the day.

For more details on the Pride of Flint event and or to enquire about holding a stall call Wendy on 01352 732239.