WORCESTER club stalwarts picked up three of the 10 accolades on offer at England Athletics’ West Midlands volunteer awards.

Mike Bennett was voted athletics coach of the year while Ian Atkins won the athletics official gong.

Derek Cowdrey was recognised for services to athletics or running.

The winners are put forward for national awards.

The Worcester trio picked up their gongs in Walsall at an evening hosted by Olympic bronze medallist Katharine Merry with acting regional chair Dave Lodwick presenting the prizes.

Bennett’s nomination read: “I don’t think there is a coach out there that gives as much time and effort towards his athletes as Mike does.

“He is constantly driving up and down the country supporting and helping his athletes, putting our needs before his own.

“Without him, many of his athletes wouldn’t be able to achieve what they have as they wouldn’t be able to make it to training or competitions without him.

“As well as this he also creates incredibly-detailed training plans that are adapted to individuals to suit them and get the best out of them.

“He has managed for at least the last 10 years to have numerous athletes at English Schools’ Championships with the majority coming to him having never done athletics before.

“Mike is also a very accepting coach who welcomes any athlete. He has often helped lead coaching courses, passing on his knowledge and experiences with the objective of helping others when he can.

“He tells us he gets his sense of achievement from watching us succeed but we feel he deserves his own achievement for everything he does.”

Atkins’ nomination read: “Ian works tirelessly both in and out of region and across a range of fixtures.

“He is the linchpin in local meetings covering his hosting club and their fixtures, including open meetings, as well as supporting clubs who have found themselves without starters, especially at short notice.

“Ian’s knowledge of the rule book is clear and I am yet to ask him a question he cannot answer.”

Cowdrey has been a Worcester member for more than 32 years, acting on the committee for 22-plus and as timekeeper for 25-plus.

He is also qualified as a starter marksman and is meeting manager for all the club’s track and field meetings as well as club officials’ secretary.

Cowdrey also runs the club website and helped put on the annual Acorns Children’s Hospice Triple Run.

His nomination read: “He is master of detail, scoring for club championships and young athlete meets.

“Derek has served as chairman and is current secretary.

“He is the foundation stone of our club, the backbone to this sport — fair play and safety he insists on. There are many Dereks who keep athletic clubs alive and thriving but we think ours is unique!”

Cowdrey said: “The reason I can do it is because of my wife Janet. I just enjoy it — most of the time!”

Merry described him as a “volunteer decathlete” with all the roles he undertakes.

The Spirit of 2012 Award went to Paul and Joanne Evans from Worcester’s Black Pear Joggers.