SWIMMER Chris Cook, who made his Olympic debut for Great Britain in the summer, will receive a civic commendation in the region today.

The 25-year-old breaststroke specialist, who reached the 200m semi-finals in the Athens games, in August, is being honoured by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle Councillor George Douglas.

A member of Newcastle Amateur Swimming Club, he became the first male swimmer from the city to achieve Olympic recognition.

The South Shields-born swimmer is a graduate of Northumbria University, in Newcastle, and has been part of the Newcastle Swimming Development Scheme since 1998.

Coun Douglas said: "Chris has been a fantastic ambassador for Newcastle and the country. He has also played an important role in helping to promote and develop swimming for our city's young people."

Coun Douglas will pass on the official greetings and congratulations of the city council at Newcastle Civic Centre.