AN OLYMPIC rower has been offered an MBE in recognition of his contribution to the sport.

Matt Gotrel, who grew up in the Cotswolds, was shocked to discover he was on the New Year honours list.

Mr Gotrel, 27, from Lower Street, Blockley, has strong local support as he went to primary and secondary school in Chipping Campden.

Fans in the town were cheering him on when he won gold in the men’s eight at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

“Being back in Chipping Campden after the Olympics was great. I wasn’t aware people were watching me,” he said.

“When I came back the whole atmosphere was amazing, the whole town was behind me.

“I and the other guys just train every day because we love it. It’s an honour to represent our country, and to receive an MBE is humbling.”

Mr Gotrel says the local cutlery firm Robert Welch set up a big screen in the Cotswold Hotel so that fans could watch his race.

The rower attended St Catharine’s Catholic Primary School and Chipping Campden School before joining Loughborough University.

“I grew up in Blockley and we would cycle four miles every day to school. I was always known as the kid who cycled to school,” he said.

“That kept me fit from a young age. I started rowing at university.

“I walked into a hall of societies and sports and some six-foot-six guy said: ‘you should come rowing’.”

Mr Gotrel is hoping he will get a chance to speak with the Queen when he picks up his honour at the palace.

The athlete, who was a member of the British sailing team before switching to rowing, now wants to inspire others to take up a sport.

“I didn’t start rowing until I was 21. If anyone is looking for something to do in the cold winter months, jump on the rowing machines,” he said.

“Get involved in anything. I didn’t start rowing thinking I would get to the Olympics. You would be surprised how successful you can be just by giving it a go.”

Mr Gotrel found out about the MBE when he received a letter about a month ago, asking him if he would accept it.