BURY'S unsung sporting heroes missed out on the regional prizes at the Greater Manchester Sports Awards but they were treated to a well-deserved night of glitz and glamour all the same.

Stalwarts of the town's sporting community had already been picked out for local honours in recognition of their sterling work at a previous event in Bury.

As local winners they were put forward for a Greater Manchester gong at a star-studded event held recently at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford.

Radcliffe boxing coach Ady Lewis was up for coach of the year, while Bury Hockey Club made it on to the shortlist for club of the year and Bury Athletic Club treasurer and membership secretary Jean Simpson was named as the town's unsung hero.

Other local nominees included sports achiever of the year Jacob Van Bentum, disability sports achiever of the year Daniel Bird and Natalie Cadman, who won Bury's changing lifestyle award.

Yvonne Harrison, chief executive of GreaterSport, organisers of the Greater Manchester Sports Awards, said: “Here at GreaterSport we are honoured to host these iconic, annual awards to recognise and congratulate the people who devote their lives to sport, day in, day out, making a huge difference in their local communities.

“Celebrating the hard-working, inspiring nominees from across the 10 local districts at the Greater Manchester Sports Awards is important as they are making sport happen and developing community sport across our county.

"With a wide range of ages, cultures and backgrounds all under one roof, diversity was really highlighted as we rewarded sport stars across Greater Manchester for their phenomenal successes, achievements and involvement in grassroots sport."

Olympic medal-winning gymnast Beth Tweddle was the guest of honour on the night, handing out the overall prizes for the region.

The night was hosted by BBC North West Tonight presenter Roger Johnson and was broadcast live by BBC Radio Manchester.

Greater Manchester winners: Glen Ragou (Manchester) Coach of the Year and Be Inspired Award (for winner who is judged to have had the widest impact in sport across Greater Manchester). Irlam Vale FC (Salford) Club of the Year. David Gibson (Stockport) Disabled Sports Achiever of the Year. Jennie Myler (Wigan) Sports Achiever of the Year. Frank Morgan (Wigan) Unsung Hero. Janine Paine (Wigan) Volunteer of the Year. Mayri Alejandra Diaz (Manchester) Changing Lifestyle Award.

Bury's roll of honour:

COACH OF THE YEAR – Ady Lewis. He coaches boxing at Healeys Boxing Club in Radcliffe for children and adults, also coaching for the I Will If You Will project. He has recently qualified as a Sports Leader UK tutor and worked on the Get Skilled and Volunteer National Lottery Programme, which won an award for best project.

CLUB OF THE YEAR – Bury Hockey Club. Bury work with adults and juniors aged four and upwards. In December, 2014, the club achieved ClubFirst accreditation for the first time. It continues to grow and develop, becoming a central point for hockey in Bury.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR – Deborah Cliff. She was first approached by Bury Sports and Physical Activity Service in November 2014 as event coordinator for a new Great Run Local in the area. She has continued to help the Great Run Local in Bury grow and establish a large and regular group of runners, as well as working full-time and contributing her time as I Will If You Will Champion.

UNSUNG HERO OF THE YEAR – Jean Simpson. She has been with Bury Athletic Club since 1970 and as treasurer since 1973, and has only recently become membership secretary. In addition, Jean is president of Northern Athletics for 2015-16 and a lifetime vice president. The volume of Jean’s commitments demonstrates how she goes beyond the call of duty. Jean’s impact on Bury AC and its athletes is enormous. Put simply, the club could not function without her commitment to officiating and volunteering.

SPORTS ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR – Jacob Van Bentum. He joined Brooklands MU Hockey Club in January, 2014, training twice a week with the performance squad and playing for club and country. He is also part of England Hockey AASE, and helped his team finish in top three of the North West Hockey League. Jacob is recognised as one of the top goalkeepers in the country, through his progression in the England Single System.

DISABLED SPORTS ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR – Daniel Bird. He has continued to impress Bury with his commitment to sport and physical education. Danial has recently completed a foundation degree in sports coaching and was one of 350 nominees for the Student Excellence Awards across 44,000 students in the country, and was awarded HE Student of the Year. He has also completed his level two fitness instructor course and level three exercise and disability course, all while contributing a lot of time and energy in the community through volunteering and club participation.

CHANGING LIFESTYLE AWARD – Natalie Cadman. She has been spreading the I Will If You Will message on BBC Breakfast shows and Sky Sports News, telling everyone how living a healthy and active lifestyle has changed her life for the better. Natalie was overweight before she started to participate in sport with I Will If You Will, and was able to lose weight and change her lifestyle habits to improve overall physical health and boost her confidence.