Olympic gymnast Amy Tinkler has increased her medal haul, after being awarded the highest honour in County Durham.
The 16-year- old Rio 2016 star, and coaches Nicola Preston and Rachael Wright, were given Chairman’s Medals by Durham County Council at a civic reception following an open top bus parade through Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor.
Council chairman Cllr Edward Bell said: “Amy captured the hearts of the British public with her stunning Rio performance, which was full of grace, beauty, elegance, outstanding quality and bravery.
“She is now a role model to countless gymnasts throughout Great Britain and especially in County Durham.
“It was a pleasure to meet Amy, and to give her the Chairman’s Medal, the highest honour that we can bestow to anyone in County Durham.
“Of course, behind every champion is the unwavering support from family, coaching staff and friends and Amy’s success has a lot to do with two other people – mentors and coaches Nicola Preston and Rachael Wright.
“I was delighted to also recognise their role in this great sporting success story.”
Despite torrential rain hundreds of people lined the streets to officially welcome home Amy to her home town of Bishop Auckland and to Spennymoor, where she trains at South Durham Gymnastics Club.
Amid much cheering, applause and the hooting of car horns, the open top bus parade made its way through the villages of Byers Green, Middlestone Moor, Kirk Merrington and Tudhoe, stopping off at Spennymoor Town Show and Bishop Auckland Town Hall.
And at Spennymoor Leisure Centre there was a red carpet welcome for the bronze medallist.
For more information about the Chairman’s Medal and this year’s other recipients visit www.durham.gov.uk/chairmansmedal