AN INDEPENDENT jeweller announced a double Olympic champion as its new brand ambassador at a ceremony in Winchester.

Burrells in the High Street welcomed Dame Kelly Holmes to a special customer event, celebrating the new appointment.

Around 50 guests attended, and she spoke about her hopes for the partnership and her athletic career.

Kelly also spent time speaking with customers, and was presented with an Omega’s Olympic Games Limited Edition Set.

She said: "I am delighted to become a brand ambassador for a company like Burrells; a successful family-run business, run by hard-working and passionate people.

"As a customer and as a partner, I believe in family-run businesses.

"They’re driven to keep improving, which is the life I’ve always led.

"Our values definitely align, and I am looking forward to the opportunities this partnership will create."

Kelly takes up her role as Burrells’ brand ambassador alongside Southampton Football Club legend Francis Benali.

Burrells CEO Edward Ferris said: “We are thrilled that Dame Kelly has agreed to join Burrells as a brand ambassador.

"She is the perfect fit for our company - we so admire all Dame Kelly has achieved throughout her career and I am excited to have the chance to work with her."

On the Saturday before the event, Kelly took part in the Winchester parkrun at North Walls Recreation Ground.