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Footballer honoured for charity efforts

A former Southampton footballer who ran and cycled to every Premier League and Championship stadium in two weeks is set to receive the freedom of the city.

Francis Benali, who made more than 300 appearances for Southampton FC, ran a marathon and cycled 75 miles (120km) each day for a fortnight.

Southampton City Council is to vote on a motion giving him honorary freedom of the city.

The 47-year-old said he was "shocked and surprised" by the honour.

The 1,000-mile (1,600 km) route linking 44 football clubs took him into south Wales, the Midlands and the North-West, before crossing the country and returning via East Anglia and London.