BBC North West Unsung Hero: Bernard Pickup

Bernard Pickup has won the BBC Sports Unsung Hero for the North West, in recognition of 40 years of service to squash in Lancashire.

Pickup was part of the committee that raised funds to build Haslingden Sports Centre in Rossendale four decades ago.

Since then, he has set up a local squash league and coached players of all ages, a role he still enjoys.

"It's always been a pleasure to do this," said Pickup, 69, now honorary president of Haslingden Squash Club.

"It's not a chore. To get an award for something you really enjoy doing seems a bit unnatural.

"I've enjoyed being involved with the place and I enjoy being involved with the place now."

He will now go forward for the national award, which will be presented at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2012 in London on 16 December.