GOLD medal winning Paralympian former soldier Gregg Stevenson is to be made a Freeman of his home village Foulridge.

Gregg rowed to victory to claim gold at the Paralympics in Paris at the beginning of this month.

Now his gold medal – and what he has achieved since losing both his legs in an explosion in Afghanistan while serving as a Royal Engineer Commando 15 years ago – will be remembered for years to come.

Gregg will be honoured by becoming a Freeman of Foulridge with an associated annual named scholar prize for St Michael and All Angels Primary School. And Alma Avenue Play Area will be renamed The Gregg Stevenson Play Area with a Paralympic plaque detailing Gregg’s achievement.

Councillor Kevin Salter, chair of Foulridge Parish Council and Pendle Council's armed forces champion, added: “As soon as we heard of Gregg winning a gold medal, fellow parish councillors and villagers all wanted to do something to mark his outstanding achievement.

“We wanted to find a fitting tribute for Gregg, and I feel we have achieved that by making him a Freeman of Foulridge, where he currently lives. Along with his wife and two sons, Gregg’s family are passionate about sports and love spending time outdoors, so a plaque and rename of the village play area fits in perfectly with that.

“Gregg has come a long way since being injured while serving in the Army 15 years ago. Despite initial struggles, he worked hard to regain his fitness and pursued opportunities to learn new sports.

“He became interested in rowing after trying out for the Invictus Games in 2018 and since then has gone on to achieve many sporting accomplishments, culminating in his Paralympics gold medal – showing his sheer determination which makes him such a role model for future generations.”

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “This is fantastic news – and so well deserved.To have a Paralympic gold medal winner in Pendle is amazing and should be rightly celebrated. It is wonderful Foulridge Parish Council is to honour Gregg in this way.”

Gregg won gold in the mixed double sculls final with GB race partner Lauren Rowles. It was his Paralympic debut at the age of 39 and he and his racing partner had only been rowing together since January last year.

At a date to be confirmed, an official presentation will be held in Foulridge Village Hall and there will be an official opening of the play area.