Dean credits his own unsung hero, Dougie Thurlow, a former school teacher, with making him the success he is today.


Dean says: "Dougie was always there when I needed him, supporting and encouraging me through all the difficult times you have as a child. He knew I always wanted to be a footballer and used to drive me and make sure I did the schoolwork as well. We are still friends today.


So if you know someone in your area that goes that extra mile to change the lives of others through sport and deserves recognition, the BBC wants to hear from you. You can nominate people who, on a voluntary basis, prepare facilities, roll the pitch, coach the juniors, run local sports leagues or work behind the scenes so that sport can be played and enjoyed throughout the UK.Robinsons is supporting the BBC Sports Unsung Hero Award and is offering bursaries of up to £2,500 to the winners of each regional award to help them with their work in sport.


A shortlist of regional nominees in each BBC region will be drawn up by the local BBC panel of judges, and a winner picked by a judging panel.


These 15 regional winners will be joining the glittering BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award ceremony at Liverpool’s Echo Arena, on Sunday, December 14, where an overall UK winner will be chosen.


Nominations for the BBC Sports Unsung Hero Award can be made at www.bbc.co.uk/sportsunsunghero until Friday, October 31.