A "role model" gymnastics coach of more than 20 years has won an award for her dedication to the job. Tracey Angell was named Sports Coach of the Year, beating people from more than 230 leisure centres across the UK. The head gymnastics coach at Westgate Leisure Centre in Chichester picked up the Everyone Active award and said she "could not believe it".

READ MORE: Shop will be turned into one-bedroom flat with own garden Tracey, who lives in Chichester, was a swimming teacher before becoming a coach. She said: "Watching my daughter at gymnastics I realised there was an opportunity to make the sport more inclusive and accessible locally. "I wanted to create an environment where no one would be turned away, regardless of gender or ability.

Growing up I loved sports which I excelled in. "As I grew to my teens a teacher told me I wasn’t putting my full effort in and to try harder, which I was. It made me feel I wasn’t good enough.

"I don't want any child to feel pushed aside or not good enough. "I'm passionate about recognising every child's worth and giving them opportunities to reach their potential." Tracey's dedication has led to the development of a flourishing gymnastics programme at Westgate which now instructs 145 children per week, which includes the Westgate Gymnastics Club.

She was given the award by Stuart Mills, of Everyone Active, and Richard Minton, general manager at Westgate Leisure Centre, in a presentation along with a group of her pupils. She said: "I rea.