A long-serving Cumbrian athletics coach has received an award in recognition of his immense service to the sport.

John Little was given the special recognition by the county’s athletics association after 40 years coaching hammer and discus in Cumbria.

Along the way Little has helped double Commonwealth champion Nick Miller and British champion Tara Simpson-Sullivan as well as fellow top local athletes David Little and Danny Gracie.

This year alone he has also coached five national champions in hammer and discus, in Ellie Byers, Erin Quinn, Katy Ord, Margaret-Isobel Casey and Joshua Reibbitt.

Cumbria Athletics' Paul Holliday presented Little with his award last weekend, with the coach described as a “remarkable man”.

The award was presented on the same weekend that a special competition was held in memory of John’s wife Lesley Little.

The Cumbria School of Hammer held their second annual competition at the Sheepmount in memory of Lesley, who was a huge supporter of local athletics for many years.

More than 30 athletes took part and they, along with parents and helpers, raised £600 in Lesley’s memory for the LIVErNORTH charity.