SCHOOL janitor Michael Curran has been given a special award to recognise his coaching work with youngsters over nearly 14 years.

Michael, who works at Prestonpans Primary School, helps out in his spare time as coach for the boys and girls football teams, taking weekly training sessions and participating in all East Lothian Council-organised festivals.

He received the Volunteer of the Month Award from Active East Lothian, who said he had helped hundreds of children over the years.

They said: “Michael has been integral to the development, both technical and personal, for hundreds of children that have passed through Prestonpans Primary School.

“The clubs that Michael has run have always been free and have included several children that have recognised disabilities.

“During his time coaching the teams, Michael has had success winning several competitions multiple times, including the John Home Robertson Trophy, Douglas Allan Trophy and East Lothian Girls Indoor Tournament.

“Throughout the years, Michael has also been heavily involved in the planning and promotion of fixtures across East Lothian, specifically in the Preston Lodge Primary School Cluster.”

Michael was nominated for the award by Paul Lavery, Active Schools co-ordinator for the Prestonpans cluster.

He said: “Football in the Prestonpans area values Michael hugely for all the effort he has put in over the years.”

And a delighted Michael said: “I am so thrilled to receive this award for doing after-school football coaching at the school. I’ve been coaching both boys and girls teams for a long time now and to be given this award is a great honour and privilege for doing something I enjoy.”