AN inspirational volunteer who has dedicated more than 6,000 hours to Warrington Gymnastics Club is in the running for a BBC Sports Personality of the Year accolade.

Mandi Mellor, from Great Sankey, will battle it out against 14 other regional winners after being selected to represent the north west in the award's unsung hero category.

The 44-year-old was stunned to find out the news on BBC North West Tonight on Monday.

The club, which is based on Wharf Street, caters for almost 1,000 members ranging in age from three to 41.

It has invested £100,000 in new facilities, while receiving £98,000 from the Sport England Inspired Facilities funding and WREN, along with £90,000 from the council to refurbish the empty units now in use.

But it is the commitment of Mandi which has truly helped turn dreams into reality.

She was nominated for the honour by head coach Sophie Whelan after dedicating more than 6,000 hours of her time to the club since 2012.

And it was all done while holding down a full-time job as an operations manager, as well as bringing up her four children, all of whom have been part of the club.

Mandi has spoken of her pride at witnessing the dramatic developments first hand but she said it has not come as a major surprise.

She added: "I was completely shocked when I was told I was nominated – it's such a prestigious award and a great honour.

"I've spent many years with the club, with the last four being the hardest yet most rewarding.

"But I've not been the only person to volunteer their free time, it's been very much a team effort from a lot of people.

"It took some time to get the right team together but we have done that now.

"I, and others, did it because we wanted to help provide a place for children in the region to get involved in this fantastic and ever-growing sport.

"When I attend the Sports Personality of the Year evening I'll do so as a representative for all the people who work and train at the club."

Among the challenges the mum-of-four has helped the club overcome while volunteering more than 30 hours per week has been the move to a new building, financial and logistical support and helping to cope with the increase in membership.

But Mandi, who started a full-time position at the facility just two weeks ago, believes the good times are only just beginning.

An additional unit at the site, which will be used solely for grassroots level, is set to open in January.

Between now and the December 18 Sports Personality of the Year award ceremony a national judging panel will meet to select the overall winner from the 15 regional winners.

They will base their decision on a number of conditions including the extent of each nominees' contribution at grassroots level.