ANDY Triggs Hodge leads a host of Oxfordshire Olympians named in the New Year’s Honours list for their services to rowing.

The 37-year-old, from Checkendon, will be appointed an OBE and is among nine local athletes to be recognised.

He retired from rowing after winning his third gold medal in Rio as part of Great Britain’s men’s eight.

Triggs Hodge, who was appointed an MBE in 2009, said: “It is lovely.

“It is a great honour to be recognised in such a way.

“It is always enjoyable meeting the Queen.

“It is going to be a fantastic occasion and it is a nice way to see off my rowing career.”

Leander Club rower and Henley resident Pete Reed, another member of the men’s eight in Brazil, will also receive an OBE.

Five other local rowers who were a part of that crew are set to be appointed MBEs.

Oxford’s Paul Bennett, as well as Leander’s Phelan Hill (cox), Matt Langridge, Tom Ransley and Will Satch have been included in the list.

Former Oxford University Boat Club captain Constantine Louloudis, who won gold with the men’s four in the summer, will also receive an MBE.

Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University Katherine Grainger, who won a fifth Olympic medal in Rio, has been made a Dame.

Oxford resident Sir Roger Bannister, who made history at Iffley Road in March 1954 by running the first sub-four-minute mile, is appointed a Companion of Honour.