A WOMAN who created a personalised tribute to Keely Hodgkinson finally got to meet the Olympic hero last week.

With a passion for knitting and creativity, Debbie Smith is the individual behind many lovely designs displayed across the community in recent years.

In Tyldesley, this includes the incredible 2,000 strong poppy cascade on the Markland building, as well as various other memorial displays along Elliott Street and an Ella Toone design celebrating her Women's Euros triumph.

And back in August, Debbie was celebrated on social media and in the local news as she created a personalised design of Keely Hodgkinson ahead of her 800m Olympic final race.

READ > Keely Hodgkinson wins Sportswoman of the Year in British Sports Awards

Debbie created the post-box topper to show the support for Keely during the OlympicsDebbie created the post-box topper to show the support for Keely during the Olympics (Image: Debbie Smith) Taking Debbie four days to complete the creation, the post-box topper included a design of the Olympian as well as some Olympic medals, Olympic rings, and the Eiffel Tower.

At the time, the Tyldesley grandma said she wanted to inspire youngsters and show Keely how much the town was behind her, and the 800m runner was sent the pictures of Debbie's designs by her mum while she was in Paris.

And after Debbie's design was mentioned in an interview by Keely and shouted out by Vernon Kay at the Olympics homecoming celebration, the pair finally met outside Keely's Chapel Street mural in Atherton last week.

Debbie spent four days creating the personalised designDebbie spent four days creating the personalised design (Image: Debbie Smith) Debbie, 58, who has worked at local primary and high schools as well as at Tyldesley Swimming Club, said: "I made the Keely Olympics topper to support our inspiring youngsters and wanted to show Keely how much the town is behind her.

"The whole community fully got behind my topper design and it helped them to express their support for Keely. Her mum contacted me last week to surprise her in Atherton and present her with it. She was absolutely made up with it.

"It's was lovely to be able to personally congratulate her on her success and receive a huge hug from her and some more wool to go towards my next project.

"She's such an inspiration!".

Debbie said it was to meet KeelyDebbie said it was to meet Keely (Image: Debbie Smith)