DESPITE the Coronavirus pandemic restricting sporting action throughout Wales, Denbigh Harriers recently managed to award a prestigious prize it hands out on an annual basis to one of its most dedicated members.

Each year, for the last 29 years, the club has awarded the Alison Baugh trophy to the person who has contributed the most to the Harriers during the calendar year.

The prize is presented to members for their running performance, as well as their support role in the club, their coaching and so much more.

Members nominate potential recipients of the award and then vote in January.

In previous years, this has been an in-person affair but, as with so much else, this year it was all done virtually.

This year there were three nominees and Melina Morris was crowned the winner with over 85% of the vote.

As Social Secretary of Denbigh Harriers, Melina has kept the lines of communication with club members open and support going during lockdown with drive and enthusiasm when the club needed it most.

As well as this, she organised, supported and encouraged all members to take part in fun activities and virtual events to keep spirits high during what was a difficult year for so many people, including those involved in the world of sport.

Melina also gave up her time selflessly to help others achieve their running goals, both in person when guidelines permitted, and virtually during lockdowns.

She also completed the Leadership in Running Fitness qualification and became an important part of leading the Harriers' Junior section as a caring role model for the younger runners of the club.

Melina was also nominated for exceptional running achievements at different distances and terrains in 2020, winning lots of category and outright medals for her outstanding efforts.

As well as this, the busy club member was also nominated for the Alison Baugh trophy due to all her charity work and fundraising which has helped families in need who are from the Denbighshire community.

The award is usually presented at the clubs’s annual dinner but this year was parented socially distanced outdoors and shared with the membership on social media.

Club officials say Melina has been a 'much needed tonic in COVID-19 times' and 'the glue that has held us together'.