An inspirational youngster from north Herts has been nominated for a prestigious award at the Sports Personality of the Year show this evening, Sunday.

Betty-Leigh Allinson from Codicote, near Hitchin, is in the running for the BBC's Captain Tom Young Unsung Hero title at the long-running awards event later.

As the shortest day of the year approaches and Christmas plans drastically adjusted for many after Hitchin was put in Tier 4, it's nice to share some good news this weekend!

Betty has made the shortlist for a new category at BBC Sports Personality of the Year, the annual awards show where the UK's sporting talents are celebrated.

This year, for the first time, there will be a Young Unsung Hero winner, presented to a young person who has kept others active or raised money for good causes through physical activity this year.

The Unsung Hero award will be presented to someone who has gone to exceptional lengths to be a positive sporting force within their community, being a highlight of the show - with Betty making the national shortlist.

Proud mum Faye told Nub News: "It's not everyday your daughter makes the final five of such a prestigious award.

"We are all so very proud, it's amazing - good luck Betty!"

Inspirational Betty

When Betty decided she wanted to help Garden House Hospice Care, where her grandmother Jean works, after learning to ride her bike during the first national lockdown, no-one could have imagined what would happen next.

After a planned family holiday to Disneyland fell through because of the coronavirus crisis - big-hearted Betty decided that she would raise much-needed funds for the hospice.

The story so far

Determined Betty set herself a challenge to ride one mile a day for 100 days, after mum Faye and dad Lee removed the stabilisers on her bike in the spring.

Fast forward nine months after Betty completed the challenge - come rain or shine as well as falling off a few times - the amazing youngster has now raised an incredible £33,000 for the hospice in north Herts.

Every day she cycled in a different football shirt as a way to bring the community together - with even David Beckham donating a top and sending her a good luck message.

Football world governing body FIFA even shared Betty's story and our Nub News picture the day FA Cup holders Arsenal brought the trophy to show Betty in recognition of her hard work.

So, it's not surprising her achievements haven't gone unnoticed, as the inspirational Betty has been nominated for a prestigious award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards this evening.

Team of the Year, Coach of the Year and World Sports Star of the Year are all presented to deserving professionals within elite sport as well as the main award, voted for by the audience.

However, during this year's glittering ceremony, everyday people are going to be celebrated - including Betty.

So, from all of us at Nub News: Good luck in the Captain Tom Young Unsung Hero award Betty - and whatever happens tonight you'll always be a hero in so many hearts.