Sporting heroes honoured at awards
INSPIRATIONAL sporting heroes were recognised at this year’s Hyndburn Sports Awards.
More than 250 people braved the bad weather and packed out the Accrington Town Hall Ballroom for the 16th annual event, recognising the achievements of local clubs, teams, schools, coaches and volunteers.
The ceremony featured guest appearances from double Commonwealth gold medal and Olympic gymnast Craig Heap, and Commonwealth title winning boxer Stacey Copeland.
Accrington running legend Dr Ron Hill MBE also made a surprise appearance on the night to show his support for local grass root sports.
Ciaran Wells, chair of the board of Hyndburn Leisure said: “It was great to see such a wide range of nominees and winners across the categories, all of whom should be proud of their achievements.
“The speakers were inspirational and of course the event could not go ahead without the kind donations of local businesses who sponsored.
“I hope they enjoyed the night as much as I did.”
The winners will go on to represent Hyndburn at the Lancashire Awards later this year.
They were: Barbara Peters - Changing Lifestyle Award; Elle Kayley - Coach of the Year; Accrington Wildcats RLFC - Community Club of The Year; Ossy Joggers - Community Project of the Year; Lynne Coogan - Inspire Award (Donated by Anne Ellwood); Chic Kelly - Lifetime Achievement Award; Baxenden St John’s - Primary School of The Year; Accrington Academy - Secondary School of The Year; Jason’s Wheels - Service to Under-represented Groups; Gareth Cross - Volunteer of the Year; Ethan Naisbitt - Young Achiever of the Year; Keeley Battrick and Leah Embley - Made in Hyndburn Award.