LAST week it was time for members of Bere Alston Trekkers (Bats) to swap their muddy trainers, hi-visibility clothing and head torches for posh frocks and shirts and attend the annual presentation dinner.

The event was held in the Bere Alston parish hall with a great meal.

2013 has probably been the busiest year for the club thus far.  The club now has almost 100 members with 62 attending the presentation dinner. 

Club members have taken part in 65 events throughout the year plus two sprint triathlons and one ironman.  This makes a total of 388 competition places and over 3,850 competitive miles.  The club now has runs most days of the week including track sessions, dedicated hill work sessions and the every popular long off-road runs at the weekend.

The awards for 2013 are as follows: male newcomer Tobias Rankin; female newcomer Sally Dunn; improver of the year Julie Page; male BAT of the year Grant Lawrence; female BAT of the year Sarah Burns;  club member of the year Julian Setterington and Nathan Newton; athlete of the year Hilary Head; BATs' committee awards Janice Fuller and Nathan Newton; BATs' chair awards Paul Mingo and  Sarah Burns.

The club coaches were also recognised for their work and dedication throughout the year. 

Chair Dotty King said: 'All members of the club are important and each and everyone deserves to have their effort recognised and this is normally done with the athlete of the month award but the presentation evening is the time to recognise those who go that one stride further in their training.'

The club marks its tenth anniversary in 2014 and will be marking this milestone with a number of events throughout the year including Sport Relief in March.

The club thanks friends, families, villager and the Times for their continued support throughout 2013.