THE iconic Basildon sign on the A127 has gone gold to congratulate Max Whitlock on winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics.

Whitlock, who trains at the south Essex Gymnastics Club, won gold on the pommel horse on Sunday, retaining his Olympic title.

Basildon Council has congratulated the heroic gymnast, who returns home from Japan this week.

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David Dadds, the Mayor of Basildon, said: "Following Max Whitlock’s outstanding achievement at the Olympic Games, we have lit up our town sign in goldin recognition of Max’s excellence performance and achievements.

"Congratulations again."