Hazel's just outstanding

Sports legend is honoured for 40-year career as controversial drama Baby Reindeer loses out

- JOHN DINGWALL

TRAILBLAZING sports broadcaster Hazel İrvine spoke of her delight as she collected a special Bafta award last night.

Hazel, 59, picked up the special Outstanding Contribution to Television award in recognition of almost 40 years as a sports presenter.

Hazel said: "I am only really standing here because of the good auspices of enlightened guys who gave me a chance and I'm delighted about that.

"I have admired and looked up to these individuals for much of my life. Thank you to Bafta Scotland for such an amazing and unexpected honour."

The presenter, who started her career with Radio Clyde in 1986, became one of the UK's first female football pundits for STV's Scotsport in 1987.

She arrived at last night's event at Glasgow's Doubletree by Hilton hotel with former STV head of sport, Russell Galbraith and his wife Mary.