A HAMPSHIRE woman has been crowned a sports hero for going the extra mile for young gymnasts.

Barbara Dimmer got involved in the sport to help her daughter start a fledgling club in Fareham.

Now she has beaten off competition from hundreds of other hopefuls across the UK to win the Most Deserving Sports Hero award.

The contest, held by motors.co.uk, is designed to recognise contribution to sport in the community.

Barbara has won a Vauxhall Zafira car and £250 donation to the club which will go towards a new gymnastics facility planned for the Fareham Academy grounds.

The car will be given signage to help advertise the club.

Barbara’s daughter Clare Parker founded the Fareham School of Gymnastics in 2004 and Barbara helped with administration duties.

In ten years, mother and daughter have increased membership from four to more than 400, and currently have a 100-strong waiting list.

As the club grew, Barbara trained as a coach and now coaches every night of the week, every Saturday morning, and is always present at competitions and displays.

Retired teacher Barbara achieved this despite battling diabetes and cancer.

The nomination came from Katy Perry, of British Gymnastics, who praised her commitment and high standards.