Hercules Wimbledon Athletic Club’s Pete Mulholland has been crowned the top athletics volunteer in London.

Mulholland, a lifelong member of Hercules Wimbledon, received his award at England Athletics’ 2014 London Region Awards last week.

The 75-year-old is the Surrey county athletics statistician, he produces a weekly club newsletter, he helps out at the Wimbledon Common parkrun every Saturday morning, before going off to help out at an afternoon athletics event, and on Sunday mornings, Mulholland assists with track training sessions.

2014 marked a milestone in Mulholland's life - he celebrated his 75th birthday , 50 years as cross-country secretary of Hercules Wimbledon and half-a-century's involvement with athletics.

Despite suffering from TB as a youngster, he took up running, was a member of Hercules Wimbledon's winning Surrey cross-country team in the 1960's and has completed five marathons.

Hercules Wimbledon would need three or four people to do what he does if he were to retire.

Mulholland is more than typical of those vital people who keep our sport going.

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Long-time servant: Peter Mulholland, right, and shock of white hair c1960

He is an exceptional person and not many could match the time he gives each week in all sorts of ways - statistician, newsletter editor, meeter-and-greeter and official.

Hercules Wimbledon’s general secretary Sheila White said: “This is a most deserved award and recognition of the fantastic contribution Pete makes to our club and out sport.

“No matter what the event, whatever the weather, no matter how out of the way, you would spot the white mop of hair that told you Pete was there, supporting the team and collecting results. He is totally indispensable.

"Pete encourages athletes of all abilities, provides a bridge between different generations, he's great at talking with parents of young athletes.

"It's no exaggeration to say he's the heart beat of the club and a father figure in local athletics.”