Sutton Arena is to be renamed the David Weir Arena following an extraordinary year for the paralympian.

Weir won four gold medals at his home paralympic games this summer and so it has been decided to rename the Carshalton leisure complex in his honour.

On hearing the news, the six-times London marathon winner said: "I am absolutely delighted. It is a very great honour. I have trained there and taken part in a few events there and it's an excellent facility."

The Paralympic hero, who this week confirmed his entry for next year's London Marathon, went on: "My daughter goes to the Arena with her school and it will be very exciting for her to see my name over the door."

In 2009, a few months after returning with two gold from the Beijing paralympics, he was made an Honorary Freeman of the Sutton Borough, the first person in 30 years to receive the recognition.

Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader of the Council, said: "David's achievements are absolutely astonishing and they provide great pleasure and pride for everyone in the borough.

"Renaming Sutton Arena in David's honour is our way of showing the affection and respect we have for him."

The centre, then named Carshalton Sports Arena, was first used in 1953 when it had a 440 yard cinder track.

The facilities developed over the years and, in 1992, when the centre was significantly refurbished it renamed Sutton Arena and now seats 300 spectators.

Sutton Council said it intends to officially celebrate the change of name with a special event in the new year where young people will be invited to go to the Arena and try their hand at various sports.