Gym club head coach appointed MBE

Mr Grady has become an MBE for his service to disabled people in Jersey

The head coach of Jersey Special Gymnastic Club has been appointed MBE in the New Year Honours list.

John Grady is awarded the honour for voluntary service to disabled people.

Mr Grady, who was made coach to the Men's Squad for Disabilities Gymnastics in 2005, is regarded as one of the top special gymnastics coaches in Europe.

He guided John Le Seeleur to gold in the Special Olympics World Games in 2003 and has produced a string of other British Special Olympians.

At last year's World Games in Shanghai, club member Samantha Godel won three bronze and two silver medals while fellow member Harry Smale won two bronze medals at the same event.

The pair also both picked up numerous gold medals at the 2006 European championships.

Mr Grady will be invited to Buckingham Palace some time in 2009 to collect his honour.