Sports Personality: Sue & Jim Houghton win Unsung Hero Award

Sue and Jim Houghton have won BBC Sport's 2012 Unsung Hero Award.

The husband and wife team spent 25 years helping to transform a derelict Leicestershire sports ground into a popular community facility.

Sport in Desford has hundreds of people each week using its tennis and squash courts, a football pitch, bowling green and dance studio.

The couple went forward for the main honour after winning the BBC East Midlands regional award.

"What a way to finish an Olympic year," said Sue Houghton.

"It's just wonderful for the community, and it's a real community sports club.

"It's all the other people who actually make it work - that's what we get back out of it."

The pair were nominated by Graeme Chilvers, health and recreation manager for Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.

"Jim and Sue have an amazing ability to inspire and support other people to be healthy and give something back to the community with no thought for getting recognition themselves," he said.

"They have established a stunning facility based on strong values and ethics, which has changed lives and helped others to reach their full potential.

"Thinking what the area would be like without the facility shows what an amazing task they have undertaken. They have changed lives, the community and inspired thousands of individuals to participate in sport.

If you've been inspired by their story to nominate someone for the award in 2013, please register your interest by emailing your details to [e-mail]