ONE of West Devon's unsung 'sporting heroes' received recognition for his contribution community with a top county award.

Tavistock Specials coach Wayne Downham was named runner up this week at the Devon Sports Awards night at Sandy Park, Exeter.

 The Active Devon Awards night celebrated the achievements of some talented people from sport in Devon and Wayne, aged 25, received his award from television sports presenter Mark Tyler, the England blind footballer Keryn Seale and South Zeal's  and Great Britain's number one lady pistol shooter Gorgs Geikie from South Tawton.

Tavi Specials organiser Allen Lewis said: 'To see our Tavi Specials coach receive his award was very moving. Wayne's involvement with the 'Specials' is to coach the more severe members of our squad with learning difficulties and specials needs. He is a credit to our club and had brought many of the players out of their shells and has helped them not only in football skills but improve their confidence with each other so they have come out themselves to make friends and lead better lives.

All the players, parents, carers and coaches congratulate Wayne for this achievement and we hope to see bigger and better things from him and our other trained coaches in the future.'

'Once again Tavistock has something to celebrate regarding sport in our lovely little town.'