KAREN Edwards narrowly missed out on a Sportswomen of the Year award, but says it was an honour to have been nominated.

The chief executive of Bolton Lads and Girls Club was one of four people shortlisted for the community award category of the 2013 Sunday Times and Sky Sports Sportswomen of the Year Awards.

She lost out to Rimla Akhtar, chair of the Muslim Women’s Sport Foundation (MWSF), a charitable organisation based in Middlesex.

But it was a memorable night for Mrs Edwards, who got to meet Olympic gold medalists Darren Campbell and Katherine Grainger at the ceremony in West London.

“It was an honour to be at the ceremony and represent Bolton Lads and Girls Club,” she said.

“There were some truly inspirational people there, from young and disabled people to sporting legends.

“Everyone was so nice, and made us feel really welcome. Darren Campbell was great fun — a very cheeky chap. We had a wonderful evening.”

Mrs Edwards was nominated for helping to transform young people’s lives through sport, from increasing their self-esteem and health to inspiring them to carry on their education.

After achieving this latest feat, she has promised to continue the hard work.

“The plan is always to improve our game for Bolton’s children and young people,” she said.

“It’s a challenge to reach out to young people who might not have the same opportunities as others. That’s why we want everybody to be inclusive, want to make everybody important.

“I also think it’s really important to see women succeeding in sport — it reminds us how important sport is.”

Mrs Edwards added special praise for the four men currently racing across the Atlantic Ocean to raise £250,000 for Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

“Touch wood, everything seems to be going well,” she said.

“We are all excited to see how they get on and are keeping in touch as best we can.”

Christine Ohuruogu, the reigning 400m world champion and 2008 Olympic champion, was the Sunday Times and Sky Sports Sportswoman of the Year for 2013.