A Tiverton teenager who has combined studying for her A-levels with coaching other youngsters in gymnastics has been celebrated alongside some of Devon’s top sporting achievers.

Emily Chilcott, 17, was runner-up in the Volunteer of the Year (youth) category at the Devon Sports Awards. She has been volunteering as a coach at Exe Valley Gymnastics School for the past six years.

A talented dancer, Emily has assisted in the development of a competition squad for the club’s more talented gymnasts and has helped it to achieve success at local recreational competitions.

The judges in the category sponsored by Team Devon were impressed by Emily’s excellent relationship with the young gymnasts and the way she gave her time to coach, despite being busy studying for her A-levels.

The awards, co-ordinated by Active Devon, were presented at a ceremony at Sandy Park, Exeter.

Emily’s mother Bernie Chilcott who started the gymnastics school 11 years ago, said: “It was a great evening and it was good to see lots of different sports represented.

Classes are held at Tiverton High School every Tuesday and give gymnasts aged from four to 17 a chance to practice. And an additional session is run for the most accomplished youngsters on Friday nights.

Bernie said Emily had begun coaching at around the age of 11 and although she was the first to do so, a number of the other members were following a similar path.

She said: “Last week, four girls from our club all took their first coaching awards, so it is good that people are continuing to want to pass on what they have learnt to the younger girls.”

The awards were presented to the finalists and winners by British number one shooter Gorgs Geikie and member of England’s blind football squad Keryn Seal.

Active Devon chief executive Matt Evans said: “I know that London 2012 will provide many inspirational moments but what is just as important to me is the inspiration that we should all draw from the dedication and achievements of the nominees and finalists in this year’s awards.

“It tells me that the sporting community in Devon is continuing to punch above its weight.”

If you would like to join or find out more about the Exe Valley Gymnastics School contact Bernie Chilcott by email at bernadette.chilcott@btinternet.com