A St Albans architect has been presented with a commemorative certificate to mark his service to the Olympic and Paralympic movement.

Geraint John received the award from Councillor Geoff Harrison, Mayor of St Albans at a council meeting on Wednesday, February 25, for his work on Olympic stadia that led to him earning a special medal from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last year.

Mr John is the first British recipient of the IOC's Pierre de Coubertin medal, and was awarded the prize for designing and providing international sports facilities around the world.

Since 1996 Mr John has been senior advisor to Populous, the development company behind the three Olympic stadia in Sydney, London and Sochi. Through his role and others, he has made a significant contribution to the IOC's promotion of environmental and sustainable sports facilities.

Councillor Harrison said: "On behalf of St Albans City and District, I congratulate Geraint for his service to the Olympic and Paralympic movements.

"His long and distinguished career as an architect has benefited many people and raised the architectural standards of sports facilities throughout the world."

Mr John said: "I am honoured to receive this commemorative certificate from my home city, in addition to the Pierre de Coubertin medal from the IOC.

"I thank the mayor and councillors for their support and accept this certificate on behalf of all the talented people I have been fortunate to work alongside."