The Epsom youth club which was attended by Paralympic gold medallist David Weir has spoken of its pride after he was made a Commander of the British Empire.

Weir, a Paralympic wheelchair athlete, was given the award in the Queen’s New Years Honours List.

The athlete, who was born with a spinal injury which left him unable to use his legs, won four gold medals at the London 2012 Olympic Games - in the 5,000m, 1,500m and 800m track events, and in the marathon.

Weir, from Wallington, attended Epsom Phab as a youngster - a club which has provided activities for disabled and able-bodied children for the past 30 years. 

The club, based at Linton’s Youth Centre in Linton’s Lane in Epsom, last month celebrated securing a new home, and its future, after Surrey County Council said it would be selling its leasehold in the centre.

Club leader Julia Giles said Weir’s achievement was "inspirational" and that the club would love to have him back for a visit.

She said: "It’s absolutely fantastic.  It was very well-deserved because it was such a huge achievement for him to win four gold medals in such a range of disciplines at London 2012.  He was doing the track events, as well as the marathon on the final weekend.  To do the marathon at that point was brilliant.

"We took a huge group of people to see him and it was really great because we always go to see him in the London marathon each year and there is hardly anyone there. But during the Paralympics it was so packed that we hardly got a view of him.

"It would be fantastic to have him come back and visit if he had the time to do it. We have only seem him racing, but we understand that he is really busy as he is racing and keeping his training going. 

"There’s been talk of him retiring, but hopefully, with the success he has achieved, he will carry on as he is such an inspiration to disabled and able-bodied people. 

"We’re very proud of him and it’s so good to see Paralympians being recognised alongside Olympians."