A surprise well done and welcome home party was thrown for a Paralmpic triathlete from Saffron Walden this week (October 10).

George Peasgood, who came 7th in the triathlon in Rio, was surprised by banners, sandwiches, cake, and a room full of well-wishers, including his parents.

It was organised by a charity in Wendens Ambo that he champions, Fledglings, who find solutions to common problems that children with disabilities face.

He said: “I feel really privileged, I wasn’t expecting my parents or anyone here. These are very good people doing great things, and it’s amazing that they support me so much because I don’t find myself amazing, I find what they do more amazing.”

A former teacher of George’s at Debden Green Primary School who is also involved with the charity, Jayne Greenwood, decided to organise the party to give something back.

She said: “We just wanted to really let George know how fantastic we think he’s done. He’s supported us and really helped to raise our profile and it’s a way thank him for everything.”

George was winning coming out of the swimming, but he fell slightly back because running is his weakest third – the disability is in his leg.