GYMNASTICS coach John Grady has been made an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

The St Saviour resident, who has been in Jersey since 1978, is being recognised for his contribution to disability sport in the Island. He helped to create the Island’s only disabled gymnastics club in 1991, which is now called the Jersey Special Gymnastics Club.

Since its inception the club, which was formerly called Mont à l’Abbé GC, has gone from strength to strength and regularly has gymnasts competing for Great Britain.

‘It came as a complete surprise to get the envelope through the post, and my family were absolutely delighted when I told them,’ said Mr Grady. ‘I have tried to avoid these sorts of things in the past but obviously someone thought I was worthy of it. It’s very nice to get an award for doing something you really enjoy. I have been very lucky in Jersey because we have had tremendous support from the community.’