sported. Member wins BBC award for the South East

sported. would like to congratulate Graham Cridland of West Sussex & Surrey Angling Academy on his BBC Sports Personality Unsung Hero Award for the South East region.

Here are a few words from Graham:

"Back in September I was nominated by my colleagues for a 'Pride of Britain' Award, i was selected as one of 4 finalists for the South East Region, but unfortunately we did not reach the final. It then transpired that a friend who is working in New Zealand, my Project Manager and others, had nominated me for the BBC Sports Personality Unsung Hero Award.

Neil Bell from BBC South East Sports came to Henfold Lakes to film us at work with a group of students from Muntham House School. We have been using fishing to help disadvantaged young people (at risk of exclusion from education) to remain in education, gain qualifications and employment. On Monday I was called by Ben Moore (Senior Broadcast Journalist & Sport Producer) to confirm that I had won the nomination and was the South East Region BBC Sports Personality Unsung Hero winner, and would be going to the Excel Arena in London for the National Award.

Last year the Academy also won Heart FM 'Unsung Hero' & 'Outstanding Contribution to the Community' Awards, and BBC Sussex & Surrey Radio 'Community Heroes Award for Sport'. We have also been nominated for 3 Business Awards, David Cameron's 'Big Society' Award, Queens Award for Voluntary Service and Queens Honour. The last 20 months have been incredible to say the least and I look forward to 2013."

Congratulations Graham!