SPORTS coaches in East Renfrewshire have been rewarded for their efforts at a glittering awards ceremony.

Among those honoured at the annual bash organised by East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure (ERCL) was Barrhead-based Mary Odell, who received the Lifetime Coaching Achievement award.

Mary has been coaching badminton for more than 20 years, with as many as 35 adults going along to her current sessions at the Barrhead Foundry.

She also coaches the Barrhead Junior Badminton Club, passing on her experience to the next generation of players.

Mary was handed her award by former St Mirren player and manager Tony Fitzpatrick, who is now the club’s chief executive.

Barry Cook, Active Schools team leader, said: “Through her years of commitment, Mary has ensured that every player at every age or stage receives the appropriate coaching and encouragement.

“Mary is a committed individual and makes sure everyone enjoys playing badminton. The sport in the Barrhead area would not be the same without her involvement.”

Others honoured at Eastwood House included swimming coach Andy Jackson, who has has been coaching for more than 20 years, took both the Performance Development Coach of the Year and Disability Coach of the Year prizes.

Stephan Gillan is Young Coach of the Year, Maria Fazzi is Young Person’s Coach of the Year and Josh Hahn is Community Coach of the Year.

High Performance Coach of the Year is Gordon Shepard, with the Coach Developer award going to Anna Beattie and the Volunteer of the Year title won by Keith White.

John Kerr won a Lifetime Volunteer award, Alison Finlayson is Technical Official of the Year and Ruairidh Gordon is Young Volunteer of the Year.