It's been a long time coming, but the real stars of the athletics world are finally getting the recognition they have always deserved.

Not the medal-winners - they have the Great Britain vests, the Golden League cash and the allure of another record to keep them going - but the unsung army of behind-the-scenes heroes from timekeepers to coaches.

The Clubs:Future Awards is their new platform and Nestle Rowntree Athletics Club coach Geoff Barraclough was one of five North Yorkshire volunteers to be recognised at the inaugural ceremony.

Take 30 years of dedication and add in a real passion for the sport and you have an idea of Barraclough's impressive reputation.

He has guided sprinters all the way through from beginners to international call-ups - take grandson Richard Buck as one example - and that is just one reason why judges named him Development Coach of the Year.

In the programme notes for the Yorkshire and Humberside area award ceremony, they refer to him as a man with immense talent and patience, a one-off.

The award was not expected, nor will it make any difference to his unfailing motivation, but it is definitely appreciated.

He said: "I think these awards are a marvellous thing to have. It's time that something is there for all the coaches who give up their time for nothing but seeing their athletes do well.

"I think any reward for anything is a good thing. No matter what you're doing in life, if someone turns round and says here's an extra £10 a week', you feel recognised."

The awards, which are backed by UK Athletics, England Athletics and Sport England, are split up around the regions and cover everything from junior and off-road clubs to officials and volunteer involvement.

Added Barracough: "To have five from North Yorkshire alone shows the strength of athletics in the county - even though there's just one track."

Anyone who has ever competed at a junior level in North Yorkshire will know about the work Dave Paver does as secretary for the county and schools associations, organising competitions and helping new volunteers - all on top of the work he does with Nestle Rowntree AC including his outstanding website.

No-one could really deny his Volunteer Co-ordinator award.

Pickering Athletics Community Club coach Charlotte Todd was crowned Young Volunteer of the Year for her willingness and enthusiasm, while Peter Schofield of Knavesmire Harriers was the runner-up in the Emerging Coach category.

His club went one better, claiming the Club Innovation award in recognition of the huge success of the annual Brass Monkey half marathon.

Judges said its huge popularity - places fill up inside nine days - and the links with other authorities like the police and council stand it out as a testament to the volunteers at the clubs'.