A KIDDERMINSTER woman devoted to voluntary work helping children with special needs has finished runner-up in a prestigious BBC awards ceremony.

Sue Perks, 60, who runs the gymnastics branch of Special Olympics Worcestershire, was one of three nominations for the BBC Midlands Unsung Hero award.

She came second, behind Birmingham swimming coach, Gerry Thain, at a ceremony in Solihull on Sunday.

Mrs Perks has taught gymnastics to youngsters with learning and physical disabilities for more than 20 years and runs lessons every week at Baxter College in Kidderminster.

The national BBC Sports Unsung Hero 2008 will be announced at the Sports Personality of the Year ceremony in Liverpool on Sunday but Mrs Perks said she was “content” with her night in the spotlight.

She added: “It was a very good night and I really enjoyed it. We were very well looked after and I chatted with all the other nominees, who were very interesting.

“It was a privilege to be part of that circle because they have given up a lot for what they do and to be nominated along with them was very nice.

“The winner, Gerry Thain, actually taught at the King Edward VI school for boys when I was at the girls’ school so we had lots to talk about.

“I’d never met him until then so it was very strange but I guess the school is doing something right.”

After sharing a table with her fellow nominees, Mrs Perks said she was not considering retiring any time soon.

She went on: “Quite a lot of the volunteers at the ceremony were in their 80s, which made me realise I’ve got a lot more work to do still.

“I have enjoyed every minute of it. It has been very rewarding to see the club grow and grow and the nomination was another little reward.”