AN Evesham rower and two-time Olympic Gold Medallist is to become one of the first recipients of a new Worcestershire award.

Alex Gregory, who won gold in London, as well as the summer's Rio games, will be receiving a Worcestershire Black Tree at an official award ceremony at Evesham Rowing Club, on Friday, October 28.

The tree was chosen for the award, which is unique to Worcestershire, as the Black Pear appears on the county's flag.

The rower, who won a gold medal rowing in the men's coxless four for Great Britain in Rio, will be receiving the award along with Paralympians Claire Cashmore and Lauren Rowles from the region.

Mr Gregory said: "The support I've received from Worcestershire is not just a recent thing.

"I've been supported since first taking up rowing at Evesham rowing club 16 years ago.

"The journey has not been straight forward and through many difficult times the messages of support from people in the county have meant everything to me.

"Thank you for the award, it's truly an honour."

Worcestershire County Councillor Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member with responsibility for localism and communities, added: "Worcestershire is filled with local heroes and people who deserve to be acknowledged.

"Through this campaign we can celebrate them in a way that only Worcestershire can."

To make a nomination for a Worcestershire Black Tree award visit the World Class Worcestershire website, worldclassworcestershire.co.uk.