The 24-year-old, who went blind as a teenager, is one of 67 British athletes recognised in this year’s list.

The former captain of King Edward VI School boat club spoke to the Herald about the perfect end to a remarkable year.

“It was really unexpected to be honest,” he said.

“I know quite a few Olympians and Paralympians had been given honours in the past, but that was usually for multiple wins, I had no idea that with one gold medal I would get one.”

James, who is currently taking time out from rowing to go travelling in Thailand and Egypt, found out he would become a Member of the Order of the British Empire a month ago, but was under strict instructions not to tell anybody.

But when he was finally able to talk to the Herald, he said: “It has been an amazing year and then to get this right at the end, it is a massive honour.

“I’d like to say thanks to my friends and family who have supported me over the last year, they have made it so good and it is going to be impossible to replicate it.”

For a round-up of all eight people from the south Warwickshire area recognised in the Queen's New Year's Honours see this week's Stratford Herald.