Stevenage s favourite sporting sons and daughters will be acting as an inspiration for generations to come. This is after the town s Sporting Hall of Fame was unveiled by mayor Graham Clark at the borough council offices. The idea of the Hall of Fame is t

Stevenage's favourite sporting sons and daughters will be acting as an inspiration for generations to come.

This is after the town's Sporting Hall of Fame was unveiled by mayor Graham Clark at the borough council offices.

The idea of the Hall of Fame is to recognise and celebrate Stevenage's successful sportsmen and women and to illustrate and record just how and why they have achieved such heights.

As well as the likes of nationally known Lewis Hamilton, Ian Poulter and Ashley Young from the modern era, and Roland Butcher and George Brown from past decades, there is also a place for young sporting stars such as Mollie Smith.

The complete list is:

Lewis Hamilton

Ian Poulter

Kevin Phillips

Ashley Young

Alan Munro (Derby winner on Generous 1991)

Neil McLellan

Suzanne Rayappan (England badminton)

Sarah Paveley (Commonwealth Games, silver medallist fencing, Scotland)

Matthew Smith (Great Britain, cross-country)

Stevenage Borough

Jimmy Gilligan (Watford FC, Premiership)

Tom Hampson

Martin Brown (GB Olympian diving)

Frank Dufficy (GB Olympian diving)

Marion Henthorn (GB Olympian diving)

Ian Allinson (Arsenal Premiership)

Tim Spears (GB sand and land yachting)

Roland Butcher (England cricketer)

Tony Wright (Gloucestershire cricketer)

Graham Poll (referee)

Sandra Reed GB athlete)

Jason Shackell (Norwich City FC Premiership)

Mollie Smith (Scotland gymnastics)

Kim Lambdon (England netball)

Steve Darlow (England basketball)

George Brown (motorcyclist)

The exhibition was researched and put together by Sport Stevenage with the support of Stevenage Borough Council, MBDA and Stevenage School Sports Partnership.

Steve Darlow, Kim Lambdon, Mollie Smith and Neil McLellan were able to attend in person.

Roland Butcher, who is currently based at the University of Barbados, was represented by his father and son Paul who drove over from High Wycombe.

Sport Stevenage chairman Grahame Bowles said: "We will be displaying it around the town where we hope it will give people a good feeling and be inspirational for youngsters in the future.

"And whenever one of our stars visits Stevenage, we are going to get them to add their autograph to their photograph.

"Obviously, we are very proud of the exploits of these Stevenage sports people.

"The purpose of the exhibition is to share that pride with all and hope to inspire the next generations of our youngsters to become stars of the future.

"They did it, so can you! I've already got names to start the next pop-up; they are a talented lot in Stevenage!"

Councillor Sue Myson said: "I am very pleased that we now have a Sporting Hall of Fame here in Stevenage.

"Not only does it recognise our successful sports people, it will also help to encourage others to follow in their footsteps."

And councillor Sharon Taylor, leader of the council, added: "Participation in sport is great, not just for keeping fit but for building confidence, self reliance and determination.

"Our Stevenage sporting stars are an inspiration to us all. We can look at them and read about them in this exhibition, then look in a mirror and ask ourselves "and what can I achieve?".