Sky Sports presenter signs up for Provost’s Awards

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The Sky Sports' Scottish football correspondent, who is used to travelling the world following top teams, will be presenting Renfrewshire's unsung heroes with their awards at the Normandy Hotel on Friday 28 March 2008.

This year the Provost's Awards celebrate their tenth anniversary and have been revamped with five categories – Child of Achievement, Community Volunteer, Good Citizen, Special Needs and Carers.

David, whose grandfather came from Paisley, said: "I am used to big name footballers but these people do such a great job, often totally unnoticed. It is fantastic to be able to reveal these wonderful human stories and see them rewarded with the recognition they deserve."

David himself has been inspired by his grandfather Jimmy who, although blind from birth, was able to enjoy the excitement of football matches through a running commentary by his son and grandson. David's father is now chairman of the Rex Blind Parties which provide running commentaries to visually impaired football fans all across Scotland.

David added: "My grandfather was blind from birth. He went to his first football game by climbing on to the back of a car after overhearing a conversation about the game. As a blind supporter, he loved the atmosphere and the electricity of the matches. My dad, and then I, would give him a running commentary and I got my love of football on that back of that."

"It has given me a real insight into what these awards are all about. If it encourages or inspires someone else to help make another person's life better, then the awards have made a real contribution at a level where it is needed most."

Provost Celia Lawson said: "I am delighted that David has agreed to host this year's Provost's Community Awards. I am sure he is as honoured as I am to be able to recognise the special achievements of so many local people whose stories inspire us all."

Press release: Tuesday 4 March 2008