A SELKIRK dad who has helped develop tennis in his hometown over the past six years has been named as the sport's Volunteer of the Year.

Ian Main committed himself to developing tennis in his area after his son began playing.

The accountant introduced free tennis coaching for three hours every week at Selkirk Tennis Club, which now has upward of 60 youngsters.

Ian has also been instrumental in changing the competition scene in the Borders by creating the BAT tour which now has an Open event as well as several closed events throughout the year - an event that also was shortlisted for Tournament of the Year at the Tennis Scotland Awards.

But the Hillside Terrace club can now boast the Volunteer of the Year.

Ian also gets more people playing by running free coaching sessions and persuades people to play more often by running competitions for all standards across the Borders.

Ian admitted he was shocked when his name was read out as winner of the award.

He told us: "I’m absolutely humbled to have received this honour.

"I live by the mantra of being quick to volunteer and slow to criticise and get so much enjoyment from volunteering in the sport.

"Since my son introduced me to tennis in 2011, I have tried my best to support in every way I can be it through my Club Trustee, Regional Junior Representative, Coach, Competition Organiser, Referee or auditor voluntary roles.

"If I can help get more children playing this sport in any way I always will."

Ian was up against four other stalwarts of the sport from across the country in the Volunteer section.

Lucy Bryden has activated an entire community through her tireless volunteering work at Longniddry Tennis Club. Jacqueline Clark has endeavoured to improve Kirkhill Tennis Club over the past two years. Caroline Eadie has been an active member of Strathgryffe for over 15 years, and Lynda Oxland has spearheaded the fundraising campaign for Oban to get new tennis courts which were 25 years old.