Patricia (Tricia) Sharpe, has been honoured with a BEM (British Empire Medal) for services to gymnastics.

Tricia has been associated with British Gymnastics for 40 years as an elite trampoline coach and charity fundraiser.

She founded the Recoil trampoline club in Essex after a 12-year fundraising drive focussed not only on the elite level trampolinist but also the needs of the disabled and those with learning difficulties.

Tricia told us: "To have been recognised in the Queen's New Year's Honours List for something i get an enormous amount of pride from is wonderful.  I am very excited to receive the BEM and feel humbled to be in such great company on the list this year."

She was also selected to be a torch bearer ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games, in London.

Tricia has brought her enthusiasm and bounce (Sorry!) to OGC and we are delighted to see her receive this distinction.