WITH the whole of Wales celebrating the achievement of 'the happiest girl in the world' Abergavenny cyclist Becky James calls are growing locally for the town to recognise its world champion.

This weekend saw Becky seal her succession to the throne vacated by Victoria Pendleton just five months ago by adding gold in the women's keirin to the sprint title she won on Saturday.

After cruising through to the final, the 21-year-old dominated the keirin decider at the Track Cycling World Championships in Minsk, Belarus - a competition, which also saw her become the first British rider to win four medals at a single World Championships.

Australia's Anna Meares was the last female rider to win four medals at a single World Championships, in Melbourne in 2012, while Victoria Pendleton's best was three, which she managed on three occasions from 2007 to 2009.

With world success secured Becky took to social media site Twitter to express her delight and congratulate her partner George North on his Six Nations success, which saw him help Wales to victory over Italy in Rome.

As Abergavenny celebrated her achievement Becky arrived back in the town for a flying visit earlier this week before jetting off on a family holiday to Argentina.

Describing herself as the 'happiest girl in the world' she thanked everyone who had helped her on the road to success.

Calls are now afoot for Abergavenny to recognise her world-beating achievement by awarding her the Freedom of the Town.

According to the Local Government Act of 1972 local councils are able to 'admit to be honorary citizens of their communities persons who have served the public well over the years'.

Granting the status of an honorary freeman confers no material honours or special privileges but is 'purely and simply for merit'.

Abergavenny mayor, Councillor Samantha Dodd told the Chronicle, "Becky has yet again proved her worth with a number of fantastic wins. The whole of Abergavenny is extremely proud of her and it is wonderful to have such a talented sportswoman to come from our town.

Responding to calls for the cyclist to be awarded the freedom of the town, she said, "Becky was presented with a town award a few years ago and I would like to see her awarded the Freedom of Abergavenny and be formally recognised by the town for her fantastic achievements.  She really does deserve a hero's welcome home."

Becky told the Chronicle at the Newport Velodrome on Tuesday, "My success hasn't sunk in yet and I still can't quite believe it all as everything has been in such a whirl over the last few days.

"I was disappointed not be selected to ride in the London 2012 Olympics and instead I focused on my training with a goal of the World Championships. I dedicated my time to a rigorous training schedule and it's paid off.

"I know I was on good form going into the championships, but I could never have believed that I would come away with so many medals.

"While I may have my eye on the Rio Olympics in 2016, it's a step by step process to get there and nothing is being taken for granted.

"It was a special moment for me being able to hug my grandparents Kathleen and Ioan James from Govilon who travelled to Minsk to watch the championships.

"I've had so much feedback via the social network sites of Twitter and Facebook and when I got home to Abergavenny at 2am I was astounded by the amount of cards and flowers waiting for me.

"My interest in cycling started as part of an after school club at the age of 11 when Gareth Walker persuaded me onto a bike. I soon developed a keen interest in cycling and followed the careers of Chris Hoy and Nicole Cooke."

Asked if she had heard about the campaign for her to be awarded the Freedom of Abergavenny, Becky said, "I was informed at breakfast time this morning and it would be such an honour for me and the whole family to be recognised by the people of Abergavenny."

As Becky was whisked away to conduct another interview with the national media she added, "It's a lot to take in and I am looking forward to my holiday. At least being abroad I can comply with my coach's instructions not to touch a bike for at least three weeks!"