A Brecon sportsman who has dedicated more than 40 years to athletics in Wales has been awarded the highest honour from Welsh Athletics.

Derek Osborne was given the Award of Honour by Welsh Athletics (WA) on Saturday, February 26 at the Welsh Cross Country Championships.

Derek, who is a former head of physics at Powys secondary schools, has dedicated the past four decades to athletics in Wales. This includes in Welsh schools, Powys County, East Wales District, Crickhowell Athletic Club and currently Brecon Athletic Club. He contributes detailed news reports and photographs about the club’s activities to the Brecon and Radnor Express.

Derek is already the holder of WA Award of Merit, joining Brecknock Roy Jones, Les Davies, who was later president of Welsh Athletics, Kath Crane and Arwyn Evans.

One of a very small number to receive the Award of Honour, Derek said: “I’d obviously like to thank the two people from South Wales who nominated me, Peter Morris and Joyce Tomala. It is always nice to have your efforts recognised.

“I have been involved in athletics for over 40 years now and it has been a privilege to have worked with many fine people at various levels. It is a great sport - competitive but friendly. Many past athletes keep in touch and some are now bringing their own children along.

“At Brecon AC I am pleased to have helped 60+ athletes into Welsh teams and some of those have gone on to GB honours. It is also equally rewarding to see other athletes making progress and enjoying participating in our sport.”