LOCAL sporting icon Gregg Warburton thrilled residents at Bedford Care Home by visiting with his Tokyo 2020 bronze medal.

The Leigh-born Paralympian stopped by to spend time with his Nanna Irene who lives at the home. 

Gregg was given a hero’s welcome once he arrived at Bedford, with staff and residents thrilled as he took the time to talk to them and show the medal that he and Team GB won at the Tokyo games this summer.

After some time apart, Nanna Irene was thrilled to finally congratulate her grandson in person and see the bronze medal up close. 

Irene said: “I’m so proud of him – this medal is heavy, isn’t it?”

Leigh Journal: Gregg with his Nanna Irene at Bedford Care HomeGregg with his Nanna Irene at Bedford Care Home

Residents at Bedford Care Home tuned in to watch Gregg perform in the Paralympics back in August, and cheered him on as Team GB claimed the bronze medal in their final match against Spain.

An integral part of Team GB and the British Wheelchair Basketball set-up, Tokyo was the former Westleigh High and Wigan and Leigh College student's second Paralympics, after competing in Rio in 2016.

Leigh Journal: Gregg is a mainstay in Team GB and the British Wheelchair Basketball set upGregg is a mainstay in Team GB and the British Wheelchair Basketball set up

Bedford manager Kelly Buckley said it was a great honour to congratulate Gregg on his incredible achievement.

She said: “It was thrilling to have a bona fide sporting superstar visit us.

“Gregg is a lovely man, and it was incredibly moving to see him reunited with Nanna Irene.

“He took the time to speak to the team about the Paralympics and winning his medal, everyone was delighted to meet him before he headed back to Spain for training.”