FOREST of Dean Athletics Club coach Dave Lucas was honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the club’s annual awards evening this weekend.

Lucas, a specialist in sprinting and long-jump, works mostly with the club’s juniors and has been associated with the club since its inception.

The Aylburton stalwart was once named South West coach of the year and was also honoured by Sebastian Coe in 2013 as a shining light in community sport.

He was also been nominated for development coach of the year with UK Athletics in 2006.

“Dave has been associated with the club ever since it started, firstly as a runner, then taking on most of the official roles sometimes simultaneously,” a club spokesperson said.

“He is a level four coach, which is about as high as an amateur can go.”

Also honoured at the awards event were the Ladies team who won the Gwent Cross Country League Division Three.

Ann Nixon, Helen Brown, Helen Lipscomb, Gemma Hewitt, Margaret Powles, Lynn Park, Jackie Green, Jacqui Wynds, Sherryl Hall, Kate Burke and Stef Francis were all celebrated for their efforts.

Catherine Roberts won the Carol Jones Trophy while Marcus Bennetto celebrated his Yorkley Dash win.

Peter Compton was awarded with his trophy for being the club’s male champion in track and field, with Debbie White taking the women’s honour.

Chloe Powles was named best newcomer and Vanessa Pegler was named most improved runner.

Chris Moore won the men’s age-graded championship and Francis won the women’s category.

Dan Sandford won the men’s championship with Sherryl Hall the ladies winner.

Club treasurer Wendy Lawrence received an honorary life membership in recognition of the service she has given to the club.