A GYMNASTICS coach has been hailed female sports coach of the year at a prestigious Hampshire awards ceremony.

Sue Killeen, pictured left, scooped the top award at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Sports Councils and Forum Sports Awards 2005, where she was commended for her dedication and belief in the sport she has devoted seven years to.

As well as giving up weekends travelling to and from competitions throughout the UK and Europe, she has also set up her own club - SUKI Gymnastics - aimed at nurturing the sport in children and young people.

Now her dedication is paying off as one of her gymnasts, Natalie Porter, from Rowner, has made it to the Great Britain squad.

Sue, 40, of Selsey Avenue, Gosport, who first got involved with gymnastics while helping out at a group her two daughters went to, said: "I was so surprised to receive the award and really pleased. I enjoy coaching very much. It's pretty much taken over my life."

She added: "It's absolutely amazing when a child achieves something like a new move that they thought they couldn't do - that's what keeps me going."