AN octogenarian who has dedicated seven decades to local gymnastics has received a BEM.

Peter Crawford, 83 from Stockton-on-Tees, first joined Billingham Synthonia Gymnastics Club aged 13 in 1952.

At the age of just 18, he was recognised as a leader and innovator in the sport and was elected to the North of England Amateur Gymnastics Association Executive Committee - the youngest person ever to have been elected to this organisation.

For more than 70-years he has been instrumental in developing a network of clubs and committees, working together on a common structure to benefit all.

Mr Crawford's dedication and hard work has helped the region to grow from a handful of clubs in the 1960s to over 80 today, many with purpose-built facilities, large numbers of gymnasts and professional coaches.

In 2012 he attended BBC Sports Personality of the Year as the winner of Sport England North Unsung Hero.