LYDNEY Paralympic gold medallist Andy Lewis had an extra special night at the Pride of Britain Awards last week as he met his childhood hero.

Andy said all he wanted to chat to David Hasselhoff, otherwise known as ’The Hoff’, about was Baywatch. He is also famed for his appearance in Knight Rider.

Other guests included sporting champs Amir Khan and Dave Seaman as well as X Factor runner-up Olly Murs.

But aside from the glitz and the glamour, the awards carried a more important message: to celebrate the achievements of truly remarkable people who make the world a better place.

The 33-year-old, who is still on a high since his first place podium finish in the Rio Games, was nominated by Paralympics GB to receive

the Special Recognition Award.

He said: “The Pride of Britain Awards was amazing, emotional and very special. It was incredible to be a part of something that recognises the achievements of every day people.”

He added: “I walked up the red carpet signing autographs and felt like a real celebrity, children, mums and dads asking me for my autograph. I don’t expect anyone from London really knew who I was but I had a gold medal, that’s all they were interested in.

“Once through the door I was greeted by Ferne Cotton, she was very bubbly and funny. I then proceeded to the bar areas where we had a cocktail reception. Lots of celebrities passed me including Louis Walsh, Simon Cowell and David Hasselhoff.

“David is a hero of mine from the famous days of Knight Rider and Baywatch, naturally all I wanted to talk to him about was Baywatch. It was great to be there and I felt very honoured and privileged to be at these awards.

“Next stop for me is the Triathlon Awards, a few visits to London to meet some sponsors then off to the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.”