Dedicated Barbara the reluctant hero

3:00pm Tuesday 12th December 2006

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BARBARA Jones has been involved in her beloved sport of swimming for more than 26 years - and she certainly hasn't been treading water.

For the Clitheroe Dolphins treasurer fulfils a medley of roles at the family orientated club, a task that has seen her named Unsung Hero in the annual BBC North West Sports Awards.

Barbara is a dedicated coach and spends more than 10 hours a week teaching youngsters how to swim and how to improve their techniques. She also teaches several of the school sessions and promotes swimming by taking children with special needs into the club.

And when she doesn't have her eye on the pool then she has her head in the books.

For Barbara is a stickler to detail and keeps all the club records in order and up to date and ensures all swimmers receive their award badges. She makes sure all of the personal best times are up to date by attending every gala.

Her other roles include balancing the books, doing the banking and collecting club fees.

She organises all the teams for three leagues and the in-house fun galas, which she does time keeping at. Such is her dedication that she only takes one holiday a year and arranges her social life around the club.

Barbara said: "I don't think I am doing anything different from the hundreds of other people who help run clubs. I was very flattered to receive the award but at the same time a bit embarrassed.

"I do what I do purely because I enjoy it. I love up-dating the club data and seeing which swimmer has improved their personal best times while there is nothing more rewarding than teaching a youngster how to swim."

She added: "I enjoy doing the books, although it can be hard at times, but you can't beat being poolside and working with the young swimmers."

It's been a successful year for Clitheroe Dolphins as the club also won the Lancashire Sport club of the year award.

Barbara said: "Our aim has always been to promote ourselves as a friendly club rather than a competitive club. Swimming should be a fun sport and that is something we have always worked hard to encourage."

While Barbara is a reluctant unsung hero, club member, Amanda Dewhurst, who nominated her said she fully deserves the accolade.

She said: "Such is her dedication and commitment to the club, Barbara, doesn't even think she does anything exceptional.

"Her enthusiasm is phenomenal and without her I don't know how the club would manage.

"I think she is an outstanding volunteer and an extremely special person that the world of swimming is very lucky to have."