Salterns Sailing Club volunteer Jean Paton in running to be named Unsung Hero of the Year in BBC Sports Personality of the Year show

A SAILING club stalwart from Lymington is in the running for the BBC’s Unsung Hero of the Year honour.

Salterns Sailing Club volunteer Jean Paton was named BBC South’s Unsung Hero of the Year for helping to get children out onto the water for more than 40 years.

Now aged 90, Jean has been described as a “cornerstone” of the sailing club’s twice annual ‘Moppy Camps’ where she helped take youngsters out sailing as a Royal Yachting Association dinghy instructor.

Among the sailors Jean has helped train over the years is Team GB Olympian Hannah Snellgrove.

Jean is now one of 15 people shortlisted to win the BBC’s national unsung hero award, which will be announced this evening (Tuesday) on the BBC Sports Personality of the Year programme, starting at 7pm on BBC1.

A spokesperson for Salterns Sailing Club told the A&T: “Jean’s commitment, kindness and ever-patient approach was recognised and nominated for the BBC South award by our Commodore Abby Wright.

“Jean was selected from a huge number of nominations, recognising how she has enabled and helped young sailors find their passion on the water and, in some cases, go on to greatness like Hannah Snellgrove and her Olympic endeavours.”

A BBC South crew presented Jean with her trophy during a surprise event at the club earlier this month. A number of Jean’s family, the club’s junior committee and members all attended to show their support despite the horrific weather.

The club spokesperson added: “Jean is now in the running to win the BBC’s national unsung hero award which will be announced at Sports Personality of the Year 2024.

“We are all rooting for her, but irrespective, it’s a fantastic recognition for an old salt of Salterns.”