Sheringham man Nigel Gurney won the Coach of the Year award at RAF Wittering's first annual Sports Personality of the Year event.

Eastern Daily Press: Peterborough United Director of Football Barry Fry presents the Coach of the Year award to Flight Sergeant Nigel Gurney. Picture: RAFPeterborough United Director of Football Barry Fry presents the Coach of the Year award to Flight Sergeant Nigel Gurney. Picture: RAF (Image: � UK MoD Crown Copyright 2016)

The station's award recognises personnel who have made an outstanding contribution to station sports.

Sea angling has been Flt Sgt Gurney's passion since he first moved to Norfolk with his family in 1969, when he was seven.

He joined the RAF in 1985 as an regiment gunner and his love of the sport has remained. His sea angling team regularly uses the football pitches to practise, casting their lines to the 100 yards-plus distances often needed at sea.

He said: 'In so many ways I'm just following my hobby, not really expecting to win anything extra. Getting a podium finish at the competition is terrific.'

Station commander, Group Captain Rich Pratley said: 'I think it's important we recognise the alternative sports.'