A BASKETBALL coach from Bamber Bridge has received a top sports award for her "fantastic" contribution to the community.

Sara Abbis, 21, a Millennium Volunteer has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by Sport England in recognition of completing more than 200 hours of volunteer work for her sport.

Sara has coached basketball in secondary and primary schools in Preston and has also acted as an official for various basketball clubs in Preston.

She has also been secretary of the University of Central Lancashire women's and men's basketball teams.

She has attained a level 2 coaching award and through her volunteering has gained valuable coaching experience at different levels.

Her work has offered extra opportunities for young people to be introduced to and play basketball and she is now a basketball development officer with the Lancashire Active Sport Programme.

Sara began volunteering in January 2001 and completed 200 hours within nine months. She was presented with her certificate by David Moffett, chief executive of Sport England at the Commonwealth Games Legacy lunch at Bridgewater Hall.

Mr Moffett said: "All the young people presented with certificates have made fantastic contributions to their local community and deserve this chance to be thanked for their work."

Millennium Volunteers is a government initiative which encourages 16-24 year olds, to volunteer their time for the benefit of others by building on their passions and interests.