UNIVERSITIES in Canterbury can capitalise on the 2012 Olympics Games if they make use of their sporting facilities, says double gold medallist Kelly Holmes.

Dame Kelly oulined her vision before before she received an honorary fellowship from Christ Church University at Canterbury Cathedral.

“The sporting facilities the universities have would make ideal places for the teams to train,” she said. “Teams from all over the world could be coming here and setting up camps. There are some ideal locations here.”

Kent University and Christ Church University both have sports grounds which could be used by the competitors. Polo Farm’s hockey pitch could also be used as a pre-games training centre.

Dame Kelly, who grew up in Kent, adds the Christ Church fellowship to an honorary degree in civil law she received from Kent University.

She said: “It’s a great honour by the different societies and it’s nice to be receiving these awards from Kent.”

Dame Kelly, 35, won her first medals, gold and silver for the 1500m at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships of 1994.

Ten years later she struck double Olympic gold when she won the 800m and 1500m at Athens 2004.

Dame Kelly added: “I would like to thank Canterbury Christ Church University for recognising my contribution to sport and I am delighted to be awarded an honorary fellowship of the university.”

Professor Michael Wright, vice-chancellor of Christ Church University, said: “Dame Kelly is not only known for her athletics but also for her ability to overcome injury and illness and stay at the top of her discipline.

“We are honoured to have her accept our invitation to become Canterbury Christ Church University’s honorary fellow.”