WORLD Champion Richard Kilty has had his athletic achievements recognised with a civic reception.

Mayor of Stockton Barbara Inman awarded the leading sportsman with a certificate and plaque bearing the Borough’s Coat of Arms to recognise his excellent achievements following the end of this year’s athletics season.

The sprinter, who comes from Stockton, won Team GB a gold medal in the 60m at the 2014 World Indoor Championships in Poland with a personal best time of just 6.49 seconds. He was awarded ‘Performance of the Year’ in the North East Sports Awards at Billingham Forum last month (November).

This year he also won gold in the 100m relay at the European Championships, silver in the sprint relay at the Commonwealth Games and bronze in the 100m relay at the inaugural World Relay Championships.

Cllr Inman said: “Richard is an extremely talented athlete and we are very proud of his success as a world class sports person. It was wonderful to meet him and congratulate him first hand for his incredible achievements. I wish him all the best for the future and look forward to seeing his career progress even further.”