SHOCKED was how one athletics coach felt after scooping a top accolade.

City of Salisbury's Deborah Bray was named England Athletics' Coach of the Year at a gala ceremony for community volunteers in Birmingham.

Accepting the award and, only just, holding back the tears she said: “I’m utterly gobsmacked. I think it’s great for female coaches and I’m very, very honoured.”

Bray coaches six sessions every week, dividing her time between Salisbury and a junior athletics club at Marlborough. At Lavington, she has worked with its athletics club too, forming a group for children of all abilities and those with special needs. She also runs winter circuit training sessions, plus serving as disability officer for Wiltshire Athletic Association.

A spokesman for England Athletics said: “Our sport is built on the work done by people across the country serving their local community.

“National awards like this one provide a unique opportunity to recognise the outstanding contributions made to the sport of athletics by such volunteers who give their time, energy and expertise for the benefit of others.”

Meanwhile, in the Lisbon marathon, Clive Smith crossed the finishing line in 3hours 38mins 58sec, a good run but not as fast as he’d hoped. Closer to home at the Birmingham half marathon, Emma Clarke clocked a respectable 1.55.42 in her first attempt at the distance.

And at the arduous 10mile off road New Forest Stinger, Kevin Tilley took seventh spot with 67.33 and Lee Perkes was clocked at 89.26.