STRICTLY Come Dancing star Louis Smith was named Best Sporting Role Model at the BBC Sports Award Ceremony for the Eastern region.

The gymnast, who won silver at this year’s Olympics, was presented with the prize at the Bedford University-held event on Tuesday (December 4) after being picked out of a whole host of sporting talents from East Anglia.

Paul Hall, head coach at Huntingdon Olympic Gym, said those like Louis “make great role models - going to London and performing so well”.

Louis said that winning the award was “fantastic”.

“Louis is conscious that he has to continue to be a good role model in the future, starting with Strictly on Saturday!” Mr Hall added.