IT was a glorious night of celebration and recognition for one of Oldham's grassroots sporting heroes after scooping the Greater Manchester Sports Awards Volunteer of the Year gong.

Andy Steel, from Oldham AFC, was presented with the accolade in front of over 500 guests at the 18th regional ceremony at Emirates Old Trafford on Friday.

Andy, who was entered for the title after winning at the Oldham Sports Awards in September, fought off competition from finalists from across the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester to emerge victorious.

Renowned for his incredible volunteering at Oldham AFC as second team manager, academy coach, executive committee member and social media officer, Andy has not missed a day’s training session or match in the 12 months and is always willing to lend a friendly ear to anyone at the club.

He is also a big supporter of Andy's Man Club, a group designed to support men to talk about mental health issues.

Alongside Andy flying the flag for the borough were fellow Oldham Sports Awards winners 10-year-old Oscar Schofield, up for Sports Achiever of the Year; nine-year-old Mary Shaw for the Disabled Sports Achiever of the Year Award; Paul Jenkner for the Changing Lifestyle Award; Lee Hadfield from Chadderton Park Sports Club for the Coach of the Year Award; Dave Donlan, from Springhead Football Club for the Unsung Hero of the Year Award; Broadfield Primary School for the School Commitment to PE and Sport award and Fierce Dance for the Club of the Year Award.

The event celebrates the outstanding commitment and achievements made in physical activity and sport across Greater Manchester over the past 12 months.

A new award, The Greater Manchester Mayor’s Award, was selected and presented on the night by Mayor Andy Burnham to winner the Greater Manchester Ability Counts League, a volunteer-run multi-impairment football league for all ages, genders and abilities.

With over 50 teams from across Greater Manchester and the North West, the league provides the opportunity for disabled footballers to get active and socialise.

Mayor Andy Burnham said: “Giving our young people a healthy start in life, reducing inequalities, keeping us physically and socially active as we age – these are worth more than the silverware in any club’s cabinet and such achievements should be recognised and rewarded. I couldn’t be more proud of presenting the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Award, and enjoyed meeting the finalists and winners who do such great work across our region.”

The night featured the motivational guest speaker Claire Lomas; marathoner, motorcyclist, hand cyclist and campaigner who returned to Manchester after completing this year’s Greater Manchester Marathon in a robotic suit.

Claire said: “Sport and physical activity have the power to transform lives so it’s vital that we celebrate and reward those who help to get communities more active.

"I’m thrilled to be returning to Greater Manchester, after completing the marathon here earlier this year, to be part of this year’s event and look forward to celebrating the achievements of the people here in Greater Manchester.”

GreaterSport CEO Sara Tomkins said; “The Greater Manchester Sports Awards are so important to recognise the work across our region and the positive impact on people’s lives.

"Without the night’s finalists, physical activity and sport in Greater Manchester would not be the success it is and their achievements should be celebrated. I congratulate all the winners for their outstanding achievements over the last 12 months.”