Local hero Dave Moorcroft scoops award

He was recognised for his achievements to get Coventry's name recognised on a worldwide scale for their involvement in the London 2012 Olympics. Since 2006 he has been working to maximise the opportunities across Coventry and Warwickshire for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Covering the areas of sport, business, tourism, culture, education and training camps, Mr Moorcroft is the overall 2012 Ambassador for Coventry. He has been instrumental in supporting the city at a local, regional, national and international level.

Judge Richard Griffith Jones, the Honorary Recorder of Coventry,said: "He has used his considerable talent and influence in making sure Coventry and Warwickshire has achieved the largest engagement in London 2012 compared to any other city outside London."

Dave Moorcroft is globally known for his athletic achievements in the late-1970s and 1980s. Competing in the Commonwealth Games he won gold medals in 1978 over 1500 metres, and in 1982 over 5000 metres. He also finished in medal positions at the European Athletics Championships, and has held records at world, European, and British levels - indeed, he still holds the British record for the fastest 3000 metres in a time of 7:32.79.

He served as the Chief Executive of UK athletics from 1997 to 2007, and received an MBE in 1983 and an OBE in 1998 for services to British sport. He developed the Coventry Sports Foundation being the Chief Executive from 1981 to 1995, and remains a Trustee. The Foundation now owns and operates three major sports facilities and numerous related projects serving communities in Coventry. It has attracted over £20 million of capital and £8 million of revenue funding.

He attended Woodlands School and is a great ambassador for sport in Coventry.