AN INSPIRATIONAL coach who picked up a top honour at the West Oxfordshire Sports Awards last year has urged others like her to come forward to have their achievements recognised.

Debra Courtenay-Crane, from Witney, who won the Coach of the Year category in 2015 for her work at Carterton Gymnastics Club, said it was a “huge surprise and honour” to win.

The 50-year-old was in the limelight again at the end of last year after helping 76-year-old Marge Scholes from Witney achieve a gold medal in the British Vets 2015 gymnastics competition, after just six months training.

She said: “As a volunteer, to be recognised like that was phenomenal and I felt very proud. People should apply as they may not realise how much they are doing for their communities.”

Last year’s competition saw a double celebration for Carterton Gymnastics Club as it also picked up the title of Sports Club of the Year.

Mrs Courtenay-Crane added: “It was a fantastic honour for the whole team. The club would not be successful if we did not have the infrastructure and support from volunteers, committee members and parents.”

The project team worker at West Oxfordshire District Council has run Carterton Gymnastics Club for the last 25 years and has coached members who have gone on to compete at the World Championships and Commonwealth Games.

Members range from the age of five to 76-year-old Mrs Scholes.

She added: “When we enrol new members it is such a powerful thing to tell parents all about the club and when I say I am Coach of the Year their faces are just wonderful.

“Gymnastics is not just about keeping fit – it helps with problem solving, delivering goals and building confidence.”

The awards are run by the district council and athletes participating at county level or above also have the chance to apply for grants, to help with training.

James Mills, the council’s cabinet member for leisure, said: “These awards are a great opportunity for the wealth of sporting talent we have in West Oxfordshire to be recognised. Debra is a shining example of what can be achieved on the international stage.”

The deadline for all nominations and applications is February 20. Visit westoxon.gov.uk/leisure for more details.