BBC SPOTY: Kidderminster woman named 'unsung hero'

Burlish Bike Park's Hannah Escott, aged 33, has been named BBC Sports Personality of the Year's "unsung hero" for the West Midlands.

Kidderminster-based cycling charity Open Trail worked to transform the mountain bike and BMX dirt jumps at Burlish Woodland in Stourport into an official bike park for all ages and abilities.

For over 30 years the jumps at the woodland have been the work and creation of local young people.

In 2020, the jumps were threatened by bulldozers unless Hannah Escott of Open Trail could gain the planning permission and funding to create a formal cycling facility.

A rider in action at Burlish Bike Park (Image: Aran Singh Gahir, British Cycling)

Since opening in July this year, the facility has seen more than 2500 riders visit.

Encouraging youngsters from disadvantaged communities to the park was a key aim of the project.

Bike park volunteer Gemma Williams decided to contact the BBC and nominate Hannah for the award.

Reacting to the award, Hannah said: "I got the phone call a couple of weeks ago. I hadn't had a clue about any of it.

"It's massive. It was a complete surprise. We don't do it for recognition.

"It's all about families and the local youth. So many families turn up and enjoy it".

Hannah Escott with volunteers at the bike park (Image: Nick Clitheroe)

She added: "It's highlighted that our young people are so talented.

"It's just become a really lovely, really friendly, really vibrant community.

"It's still growing and still bringing in so many people".

She will be attending the main Sports Personality of the Year presentation in Salford on December 19.

Burlish Bike Park project was previously awarded £54,000 from Severn Trent’s Community Fund in March to create the community centre café, toilets and additional parking at the site.