THE accolade of Young Performers Coach of the Year has been presented to Dave Lucas of the Forest of Dean Athletics Club.
Other local honours in the 1999 HSBC Gloucestershire Coach of the Year Awards went to Peter Humble from Highnam, who was named Disabled Performers Coach of the Year, and James Barton from Huntley who was named Rookie Coach of the Year.
Dave Lucas, from Lydney, is a leading figure in athletics across the county as well as being the driving force behind Forest athletics.
He was also instrumental in resurrecting primary school cross-country in the Forest.
Dave's nominations came from his club and from the Gloucestershire Athletics Association in recognition of his outstanding commitment to sport.
Peter Humble has been helping to integrate disabled and able-bodied players into Rudford and High Leadon Table Tennis Club for many years.
He was nominated by disabled player Elaine Marshall who he has coached to be England number one.
James Barton, coach at Sir Thomas Rich's Sports Centre, was nominated for his work in coaching youngsters.
The awards, sponsored by the HSBC bank, were presented at the Whaddon Road headquarters of the Cheltenham Football Club.