AFTER spending the winter training hard for spring events the Bere Alston Trekkers (Bats) left their trainers and lycra at home on Wednesday to attend the annual presentation dinner at the Olde Plough, Bere Ferrers.

The Bats have had an exceptionally busy year with club members taking part in lots and lots of races.

In February, club chair and head coach Dotty Allan, won the Devon County sports coach of the year. March saw members taking part in the gruelling 20 plus mile cross-country event that is the Grizzly, this was followed in April with the London Marathon where Dotty Allan ran a record time and achieved a 'good for age' entry for 2012. In May the club held their first road race, the Bere Pen 10k, which pulled in runners from across the county and beyond and raised a lot of money for community clubs and activities in the village. The club have hosted two 'Big Breakfasts' to fund races and give the club a new set of running vests. They also launched the community running web-site which is already close to 1,200 hits and visited regularly by both local and international runners.

With an increase in members and more events being undertaken along with the introduction of 'away' cross-country runs during the summer and at the weekends there were more awards given out in order to recognise the work of those coaches and members who enable these runs to happen.

n The awards were as follows: Club athlete of the year Dave Adams —Dave has run a number of events this year including the Edinburgh Marathon and an ultrathon. Male newcomer, Mike Smith — Mike joined the club this year after starting running with the Monday Men on the track and has completed an array of events. Male BAT of the year, club member of the year and chairman's award Derek Hicks — Derek has done a lot for the club this year including organising the successful Poppy Run which has raised almost £7,000 for the Royal British Legion. Female BAT of the year Jo Bourton - Jo is a popular member of the club and always keen to encourage other members. Joint female newcomer Angela Gibbs and Heather Smith. Improver of the year Julie Brownlie. Star performance of the year Dotty Allan — for her run in the London Marathon 3 hours 48 minutes 18 seconds). Bats committee award Laurence Sargeant and Julian Setterington – for arranging the 'away' runs, planning routes for Sunday runs, the Poppy Run and for always encouraging other members of the club.

For 2012 the Bats will host another Big Breakfast in January — The Sport Relief one, three, and six mile event in March; host the Bere Pen 10k in May and an Olympic Relay in July.  The Bats would like to thank everyone who has volunteered their time to help us with the Bere Pen 10k; everyone who has come along and supported our fund-raising events, sponsored us and supported us every step of the way. Club chair Dotty Allan would also like to thank all club members for their continued support.

The club welcome new members at any time.