The achievements of Oxford University Boat Club members were celebrated last night at a gala dinner at Lords cricket ground, London.

Recent Oxford Blues, Andy Hodge and Peter Reed made three visits to the stage to receive awards by Dame Tanni Grey Thompson. The duo were recognised as winners of the GB men’s pair trials in April of last year as well as for the part they played in Great Britain’s men’s four World Championship win in 2006, alongside Steve Williams and Alex Partridge.

Finally Reed and Hodge returned to the stage once more with their crew-mates to receive the British Olympic Association’s “Olympic Athlete of the Year” Award from Sir Craig Reedie, IOC member for Great Britain.

OUBC members were amongst the award winners at two other levels. Andrew Berrige and Alex Wood were reconised for their silver medal performance in the lightweight men’s four at the 2006 World University Rowing Championships.

2006 Oxford Blue Boat cox Seb Pearce also picked up an award as coach to the bronze medal-winning GB men’s pair at the World U23 Championships of Ben Smith and Oli Moore.