The sporting guest of honour at next month’s EDF Energy London and South of England Media Awards awards is to be Olympic gold medal rower Tom James.

Tom was part of the men’s coxless four that won gold in last year’s Beijing games alongside Steve Williams, Pete Reed and Andy Hodge.

He was awarded an MBE in the 2009 New Year’s Honours list in recognition of his achievement.

Tom will hand out the prizes at next month’s ceremony at London’s Globe theatre on 22 October where he will also deliver a speech about his involvement in EDF’s Green Britain Day event in July.

The awards, held in partnership with HoldtheFrontPage, attracted more than 300 entries.

Judging took place at the end of July and next month’s event will see trophies, cheques and certificates handed out to 20 winners.

Tom, now 25, originally took up rowing after a knee injury meant he had to give up running

He made his GB Senior team debut as a 19-year-old in 2003, winning his place in the men’s eight and stroking it to a bronze medal at the World Rowing Championships in Milan.

More than 200 shortlisted candidates and other industry figures will be attending next month’s event.

Guests are reminded that they will need to bring their written invitations with them to gain entry.