AN 83-year-old Redditch man who has dedicated his life to helping others has been crowned BBC Midlands Sports "Unsung Hero".

David Finney recently attended the West Midlands Community Sports Awards Dinner and was honoured for his volunteering in swimming, badminton and for the Stonehouse Gang - where he has coached table tennis and badminton.

He was presented with his award by former Midlands star athlete Kath Merry, who won 400m bronze in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

Speaking afterwards, he said: β€œIt's a pleasure passing on skills, whether swimming, badminton, cricket or football, it was so gratifying just to be nominated.

"There are so many other people all very deserving of this award who have never even been nominated.”

Mr Finney, from Churchill North, teaches youngsters at Redditch Swimming Club three times a week and at The Bridge Swimming Club in the town on Saturdays.

Until recently he also ran a Sunday morning badminton session at Kingsley Sports Centre but gave that up in July after a cataract operation.

He was nominated for the award by members of The Bridge Swimming Club, which he set up around 40 years ago, based at Kingsley Sports Centre.

Mr Finney was one of three finalists for the award, which celebrates grass roots sports in the region.

He now goes to on to represent the West Midlands at the BBC Sports Personality of the year 2016.

The winner will be announced live on BBC One and Radio 5 Live presented by Gary Lineker, Gabby Logan and Clare Balding.