FORMER Newtown Rugby Club player Barry Lloyd has won a top accolade in recognition of his work with British Paralympic Association.

Lloyd retains ties to his hometown as owner of Activ8Kids Ltd which delivers coaching to children across the area and also sponsors local sports sides.

However he now works as manager of the British Paralympic Association as the Parasport campaign project manager which won the Active and Wellbeing prize at an industrial award ceremony earlier this month.

A delighted Lloyd said: “We were delighted to be shortlisted in the first place alongside some amazing organisations.

“So for us to win the award was a total surprise and one we are all very proud of.

“We will continue to work hard to grow Parasport so more people can access inclusive activities across the whole of the UK.”

Parasport powered by Toyota is the go to place for inclusive local opportunities to help disabled people to become more active.

Lloyd added: “Our ambition is to create the UK’s biggest fun and vibrant community for players, parents and coaches to share their experiences of para sport, and find useful hints, tips and information on what’s happening near you.

“I started working for the British Paralympic Association last summer, having worked for Rethink Mental Illness as the physical activity lead and as a sports development lead in Croydon before that.”