THE Advertiser/Messenger's fourth instalment of Bromsgrove District Sports Council's annual awards brings together behind-the-scenes work.

First up, Bernie Leech was honoured with the Administration Award for his work with the Bromsgrove and Redditch Table Tennis League.

Leech, aged 55, has been the league secretary for 15 years and been a county member for 20 years but started playing the sport 40 years ago when he was just 16-years-old.

As well as his 15 years as a Studley Road Nomads player, currently competing in division two, he also finds time to help organise the county table tennis championships in Evesham where the best battle it out in different categories.

In addition, Bernie , who lives in Redditch, helps in the coaching of juniors and running local competitions.

Sheila Perks received the Coaching Award for her outstanding efforts in netball.

Her career spans many years, starting as a player before moving into coaching.

She has coached at local schools, Bromsgrove's Ryland Centre, in New Road, and has used her coaching expertise at Worcestershire and England level.

Excellent performances of late have also led her Ryland team to the national U19s finals in Essex.

Last year, three of the team went to test their skills at an England camp and many of her girls currently play for the Worcester and Birmingham county teams.

Sheila would like to thank the Ryland Centre for the way they have treated her over so many long years.

Both Bernie and Sheila now go forward to the Worcestershire sports awards, due to be named at Worcester Rugby Club's Sixways Stadium on Wednesday, April 23.