CHRIS McKean admitted to being 'completely shocked' after being named coach of the year at Hyndburn's annual sports awards -- because he was only there to support a colleague!

The Accrington Swimming Club's chief coach thought he had been invited to the event to see his club-mate Ted Watson receive his services to sport award.

But Chris was left stunned when he was of the five winners at the annual awards ceremony at Accrington Town Hall.

"I received a letter to say I had won but I thought it was a mistake because I had nominated Ted for the services to sport category. I had been nominated for coach of the year in the past but did not win so I thought nothing of it.

"So when I heard I had won this year, I was completely shocked."

While he may have been completely stunned, it was an award thoroughly deserved.

Chris joined Accrington Swimming Club 10 years ago and has been chief coach for the last three years, taking the club from the brink of extinction to doubling the number of members.

He prides himself on encouraging participation among some of the harder reach groups including members of the ethnic minorities and those with disabilities.

"Our club is all about giving people from across the community the chance to learn to swim and not necessarily turn them in to champions."

Saying that, Chris has seen a number of swimmers progress to the Lancashire squads while has coached Team Hyndburn to success in the Lancashire Youth Games in the past five years.

Chris was just one of five Hyndburn winners who all now go forward to the Lancashire Sports Awards.

Ted Watson earned the services to sport award for his dedication to swimmer for the last 55 years. Ted has been teaching young swimmers at Accrington Swimmer Club at its previous home at Accrington Old Baths and its present base, Hyndburn Sports Centre.

Alan Phillipson, 24, was named volunteer of the year after helping St Peter's Primary School form its first ever football team. He also was a volunteer at the Lancashire Youth Games where he helped coach the cricket and athletics teams.

Philip Aspinall is the winner of the Rising Star category for his achievements in both cricket and badminton.

The St Wilfrid's High School pupil plays cricket for Great Harwood Under 13s and Under 15s and is also a member the Hyndburn Under 13s borough team.

However, it is in badminton where he has really excelled. He is the current England number one in his age group and has won the national singles title for the last three years. He also won the doubles title in this year's finals.

He has also represented England at Under 13s and Under 15s level and has competed across Europe.

Grange Bowling Club were named club of the year.

More than 170 people attended the ceremony which was the first ever combined Sports Awards and Youth Games recognition evening.

Sporting guests included Ian Austin, Kerry Gillibrand and Mike Duxbury.

George Cull, assistant sports development officer, said: "It is important that we recognise the valuable work that local people put in to give opportunities for members of the community to participate in sport.

"Chris, Ted, Allan and the Grange Bowling Club dedicate endless hours to helping other people enjoy their sport, and for that they are a credit to the Borough. If it wasn't for people like this then we would not be recognising International Badminton players at this awards evening like young Philip.

"On behalf of the borough, I would like to congratulate them all and wish them all the best at the Lancashire Sport Awards and their future work in sport."