A teacher who has inspired thousands of children to take up sport has been honoured for his service to the borough.
Thirty-five years after Michael Bloss took part as a reserve for his primary school relay he became the organiser of the Croydon Primary Schools Athletics Championship in 2000.
And the 60-year-old has put together the event since then, with children from across the borough taking part.
They include former international athlete Donna Fraser, from Thornton Heath, who started her career at the championships before going on to represent Great Britain in the 400m and relay events.
Mr Bloss, who teaches at Forest Academy in Shirley, said: “Naturally I'm very honoured to receive any sort of award because it was so unexpected.
“I genuinely have enjoyed organising the event because I appreciate the history of it having taken part in it.
“Without the support of many dedicated staff, the overall event would never get off the ground.”
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