DEVELOPMENT officer Andrew Winnie’s work in Sportshall athletics has been recognised with a national accolade.

For outstanding services to the organisation and development of Sportshall athletics, given in memory of the association’s first president, Winnie received the Ron Pickering Award 2006 while attending the National championships in Birmingham at the weekend.

Winnie, who knew nothing of the award until he saw his picture in the programme at the championships, said: ‘I was unaware of it and it was a bit of a surprise.

I’ve seen it presented annually and it didn’t occur to me that I’d ever get it.

‘I’m very pleased, it’s recognition for many years of getting teams to UK finals since the early 1990s.

It all started in the Shetlands and I’m continuing the work in Jersey.

‘I am a great believer in Sportshall athletics, I’m passionate about them, it is an enjoyable team event and helps keep youngsters in the sport.’