A CYCLE speedway stalwart is celebrating after winning a Greater Manchester Sports Award.

Astley and Tyldesley Cycling Club founder member Mike Hack picked up the unsung hero prize for his 45 years’ service to the sport.

The 62-year-old from Astley, who has been a coach and official at club, league, national and international governing body level, said: "Winning the award means a great deal to me.

“It is great to be recognised for contributing to the sport over so many years.

"It is also a tribute to the many good club members we have at Astley and Tyldesley Cycling Club.

“Without their support the club would not be as successful as it is and I wouldn't have received this award."

Mike has held various roles in the cycling community and continues to play a crucial role in the running and development of the Astley and Tyldesley club.

He is currently chairman of the Northern League and general secretary of the International Cycle Speedway Federation.

Mike was put forward for the Greater Manchester Sports Awards at the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground on Friday after winning the unsung hero gong at the Believe Sports Awards last month.

Leigh Leisure Centre’s Steven Johnson, Leigh Amateur Boxing Club’s Pete Prescott, Leigh Genesis Football Club and Tyldesley’s Garret Hall Primary School were also put forward as Believe Sports Award winners.

They were finalists for the changing lifestyle recognition, volunteer of the year, club of the year and school commitment to PE and sport awards respectively.

The Greater Manchester Sports Awards celebrate the outstanding commitment and achievements made in physical activity and sport across the city region.

With the 10 boroughs across Greater Manchester competing for the eight awards up for grabs, four of them went to grassroots sports stars from the Wigan borough.

Musuko Karate Academy’s Danni Williams, Great Britain wheelchair rugby ace Daniel Dawoud and Wigan Wasps Swimming Club’s Rick Atkinson joined Mike in winning awards.

They scooped the sports achiever, disabled sports achiever and coach of the year gongs respectively.

Pete Burt, managing director of Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles, which organises the Believe Sports Awards, said: “It was a wonderful night and we are delighted that the Wigan borough won four out of the eight awards.

“We are really proud to support local athletes and volunteers across Wigan and Leigh as part of our day-to-day operations.

“It is great to see their talents and commitment recognised at this regional level.”

Donna Hall, Wigan Council’s chief executive, said: “The success of the Wigan borough’s athletes and coaches at the Greater Manchester Sports Awards is testament to the depth of talent here and highlights what a successful sporting area we are.

“Through The Deal we are proud to support hundreds of local clubs at grassroots levels, which helps to nurture talent and get thousands of young people active, healthy and enjoying sport.”

The guest speaker at Emirates Old Trafford was football pundit and former Manchester United and England star Gary Neville.