The world's number one wheelchair tennis player Alfie Hewett has added another accolade to his collection as he has been made an OBE.

Twenty-five-year-old Mr Hewett, from Cantley, has been named alongside his long-term doubles partner Gordon Reid in King Charles' first birthday honours list.

The dynamic duo secured their 17th wheelchair tennis doubles grand slam title together earlier this month at the French Open, where they bested second seeds Martin De La Puente and Gustavo Fernandez.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid won the doubles title at the Australian Open in January. Picture - LTAAlfie Hewett and Gordon Reid won the doubles title at the Australian Open in January. Picture - LTA (Image: LTA)

At the same championship, Hewett narrowly lost out on claiming a second title, finishing runner-up in the singles final to Tokito Oda.

Mr Hewett has won seven grand slam singles titles throughout his career, with the most recent being his first title at the Australian Open in January.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Alfie Hewett in action at Tokyo 2020. Picture - PAAlfie Hewett in action at Tokyo 2020. Picture - PA (Image: PA)

Mr Hewett said: "I never would have dreamt that I’d receive something like this in my lifetime, I just get my head down and work hard in the sport that I love.

"I’m extremely proud and grateful for this, and everyone who has helped me get to where I am today."

The tennis ace said it was "amazing to see wheelchair tennis and disability sport get this level of recognition" and the acknowledgement was vital in encouraging a more inclusive culture in sport and society.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Alfie won silver at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Picture - PAAlfie won silver at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Picture - PA (Image: PA)

He added: "It’s a big passion of mine to keep growing the sport, and with the platform I have to send the message that anything is possible with a leap of faith, relentless determination and the right mentality."

Turning pro in 2015, Mr Hewett was crowned the youngest ever singles masters champion just two years later and again in 2021, when he also won the doubles title.

Mr Hewett, who still lives in Norfolk and trains at David Lloyd and Easton College in Norwich, is set to be back in action at Wimbledon this summer as he chases his fifth championship title.