TENNIS star Andy Murray celebrated being granted the Freedom of Stirling with a game of croquet.

Murray and his girlfriend Kim Sears got competitive in the grounds of his Cromlix Hotel, near his home town of Dunblane.

Earlier he had struggled to hold back tears as he was granted the freedom of the city.

The Wimbledon champion was over-come with emotion as he thanked officials for the honour during a ceremony held in his former school, Dunblane High.

Murray, 26, had to pause and wipe his eyes several times during his speech when he told those gathered in Murray Hall: "It feels good to be home".

Mother Judy, father William and both sets of grand-parents watched as Stirling Provost Mike Robbins handed the star a framed scroll with his full title, Andy Barron Murray OBE.

Murray, his voice cracking at times, said: "I'm going to keep this very short because there's a good chance I'll get emotional. I'd like to thank the council for voting me in - I was expecting a few nos.

"I was thinking, 'there's got to be one of you who doesn't like me'.

"I'd like to thank all my family and friends and girlfriend for coming to support me."

He apologised as he took another break to calm his emotions, and was given a standing ovation as he said: "I think everyone knows I'm extremely proud of where I come from. To get this honour means a lot to me so thanks to everyone for coming along."

He was also presented with degree by Stirling University.