A SAILOR and a groundsman have reached the final five of a competition to find the greatest unrecognised champion of Midlands sport.

Vivien Brookes, from Malvern, and Derrick Senior, from Stourport-on-Severn, are both in the running for the BBC Midlands Sport Unsung Hero Award 2005.

The result of the competition will be announced at a glittering presentation ceremony on Sunday.

Ms Brookes has been involved with youth sailing in Worcestershire for 13 years, and is the secretary of the Worcestershire Schools Sailing and Canoeing Association.

She also serves on the committee of the National Schools Sailing Association

Mr Senior has been chairman, groundsman and team manager of Mostyn Rangers Football Club, in Stourport, for more than 15 years.

The club runs 14 teams for youngsters in the area. As well as undertaking various organisational duties, Mr Senior maintains the grounds and marks out the pitches.

BBC Midlands sports Awards Manager Andy Knowles said: "We've been delighted by the nominations for the award. There are many people who devote countless hours to helping others perform their sport - and all without any financial reward or real recognition. This award finally allows them the credit they deserve."

The category of Unsung Hero - one of many BBC Midlands Sports Awards to be presented on the night - recognises people who volunteer their time to help other people enjoy sport.

Other finalists include Nazir Khan, who has helped develop inner-city cricket in Birmingham, John Priest, secretary of Bedworth Cricket Club, in Warwickshire, for 60 years, and Jon Redfern, who is the secretary of Cleobury Mortimer Rugby Club, in Shropshire.

The winner will be decided by a panel of judges and announced at a gala ceremony, at the National Motorcycle Museum, at Bickenhall, near Solihull, on December 4.

He or she will join 14 other winners from around the country at the BBC Sports Review of the Year programme on Sunday, December 11, when a national Unsung Hero will be named.