AN autistic student from Widnes has been hailed ‘a great ambassador’ after winning a gold medal at the Special Olympics World Summer Games.

Bobbie Wright, aged 20, is one of only four golfers chosen to represent Great Britain.

He only started playing golf in 2010.

He was competing with 7,000 athletes from 177 countries in Los Angeles in front of 500,000 spectators.

His family watched in awe as he tackled intense heat and scooped gold on Friday.

Head coach Scotsman Jamie McDonald said: “Bobbie started off with a 106, far better than his average score of around 112.

“Wee bit worried that he had peaked too soon, not a bit of it.

“Bobbie just kept improving each round, finishing with a 93. Great effort, rewarded with a great result.”

Speaking to The World from America, Bobbie’s proud mum, Paula, aged 41, of Dundalk Road, said: “He did brilliantly.

“It was fantastic.

“It was very emotional watching him receive his gold medal.

“There was a lot of crying and a lot of tears.”

She said he only discovered he had won gold three hours after he played when everyone had completed the course.

She said: “I don’t think Bobbie could believe it.

“He was really surprised.

“He has put in a lot of hard work. It is absolutely brilliant.”

Bobbie’s dad, Robert, aged 42, accompanied him as a coach.

They each had to raise £2,500 for their trip.

His mum and sister, Bethany, aged 21, were thrilled to be able to watch him compete.

Paula added: “It was lovely that we were all there as a family to see him.”

Team GB were hailed a credit to their country and families after winning 68 gold, 69 silver and 42 bronze

Riverside College student Bobbie has already been selected to compete in the Special Olympics Summer Games in Sheffield in August, 2017.

Bobbie has lessons at Sutton Fields in Runcorn and practises at Mersey Valley Golf Club almost every day.

He has competed in championships across England, Ireland and Wales.