Rower Lauren Irwin, Peterlee’s first Olympic medallist, receives Chairman’s Medal

A town’s first Olympic medallist said receiving County Durham’s highest civic honour was a “little bit crazy”.

Lauren Irwin, 26, from Peterlee, secured bronze in the Women’s Eight at the Paris Olympics and will represent Great Britain at the upcoming European Rowing Championships.

She was awarded the Chairman’s Medal for her outstanding achievements in rowing and for being a “role model for the younger athletes, encouraging others to do their best and sharing her passion for the sport”.

Irwin said she was honoured to be recognised, saying: “There’s a lot of hard work that I’ve done to get to where I am today.”

She said it was always a dream to go to the Olympics.

“Looking back on it, I’m just so proud that I was never scared and never pushed away from that dream,” she said.

“I would want people to kind of see my journey and dream big.”

Irwin said she had not yet got a traditional tattoo of the Olympic rings and was taking time to consider where she wants it to be.

“Because it’s a tattoo, I just want to make sure I’m certain,” Irwin said.

The award was presented by Joan Nicholson, outgoing chair of Durham County Council.

It was introduced to recognise unsung heroes, community champions and those who have dedicated their lives to particular organisations or events.