A veteran journalist who has been hospitalised for nearly three months following a street accident is to receive the freedom of her local borough.

Surrey Comet features editor June Sampson, left, sustained what police said were “life threatening” injuries when she was hit by a car in Kingston while walking home from the office.

The 80-year-old has been recovering in hospital ever since and has been unable to return to work.

Now she is set to become the first woman to be made an honorary freeman of Kingston – the highest honour the Royal borough can bestow.

Only four people have received the honour since 1965 – all of them men.

Councillors will be asked on Thursday to grant June the freedom of the borough for her work recording, documenting and reporting Kingston’s history.

June has worked for the Surrey Comet for the past 40 years, having started her career in journalism at the now defunct Bristol Evening World.

Among her colleagues at the Bristol title were Hilton Tims, who went on to become her husband, and Charles Wilson, who later became editor of The Times.

Surrey Comet editor David Rankin said: “This is a fantastic honour for an incredibly special woman, who has been a part of the fabric in Kingston for such a long time.

“June is battling to overcome the injuries that befell her. She and Hilton and the rest of the family have been incredibly touched by the support and well wishes they have had.

“The fact this was all in motion before June’s accident is testament to the work she has done within the borough she loves so much.

“While I’m hugely biased, of course, I cannot think of a more deserving person.”

The award is given to “a person of distinction who, in the opinion of the council, has rendered eminent services to the Royal Borough”.

June will receive an illuminated scroll as part of the honour.

Grace McElwee, Kingston Council’s library and heritage service strategic manager, said: “Without June Sampson’s articles, books, knowledge and insight our understanding of Kingston’s past would certainly be poorer.

“June has always strived to preserve and promote the best of Kingston and is considered to be a worthy recipient of this honour.”