Legendary tennis ace Martina Navratilova is to be given the freedom of Eastbourne.

The town's highest civic honour will be handed to the 48-year-old star for her remarkable record at Eastbourne's world famous women's tennis championships.

In 30 years, Navratilova has won 11 singles titles, the last in 1993, at the competition held annually at Devonshire Park.

A freedom ceremony is expected to take place at next summer's pre-Wimbledon championships in Eastbourne from June 11 to 18.

Eastbourne Borough Council Tory leader Graham Marsden said: "This is the first time the council has presented this award to a sportsman of such international status.

"During the time she won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, she always supported the pre-Wimbledon tournament in Eastbourne and has been a regular visitor since she retired from singles tennis.

"We hope this freedom recognises her contribution to the town and continues the town's affection for her."

Czech-born Navratilova bade farewell to singles tennis in the Hastings Direct Championship in the summer after being knocked out of the second qualifying round by Elena Likhovtseva. It was an end of an era for the tournament she had made her own since it began in 1974.

The Ladies legend has won the title more often than any other player as part of a glittering career which has seen her win a total of 20 Wimbledon titles and amass thousands in prize money.

She plans to retire at the end of the year. But after she left Court One to a standing ovation by the Devonshire Park crowd in June, it was obvious she would miss Eastbourne in particular.

She said: "I've got lots of great memories. I've been playing there since its conception in 1974, so I feel we have sort of grown up together.

"It's always nice to be there because there's such a relaxing atmosphere.

"You can walk to the courts from the hotel and walk to the restaurants, you don't even need a car. When the weather is good it's as good a place to be as any, especially in the build up to a Grand Slam. It's as good as it gets really.

"The tennis is still competitive but the town is so peaceful. I was in London for a couple of days before I came down and it was an assault on the senses with all the noise. Here, when you open the window, you can actually hear the birds chirp."

Navratilova revealed plans for what she will do after finally hanging up her racket. She said: "It's time to give something back to the supporters who have given me so much encouragement.

"I intend to get into politics but I want to give something back to tennis, to pass on the knowledge and teach the kids how to play the game."