A night to celebrate being the very best

ABRITISH swimming champion and a taekwondo prodigy were among the talented sports people and teams honoured at this year’s Sefton Sports Awards.

Southport swimmer Holly Hibbert claimed the joint Female Personality of the Year award at the prestigious event after a remarkable year which saw her beat an Olympic medallist to win her first ever national title at the British Swimming Championships.

Teenager Holly, a former Stanley High School student, won first place in the 400 metres freestyle at the competition in Sheffield, knocking two seconds off her own time to claim the title.

With judges unable to decide on an outright winner, the award was shared with Waterloo Rugby Club star Holly Aitchinson.

Described as an “exceptional young talent” and “star of the present and future”, Holly has come through the ranks at the rugby club and now even represents her country in the sport.

Accepting her award, Holly Hibbert said: “It’s pretty hard training up to 30 hours a week so it does get pretty tough but it’s all worth it.

“You get to travel a lot and meet new people which is great.”

She also says she is confident of making the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Also honoured at the event was Birk- dale High School student Jack Britton who claimed the Disabled Sports Personality of the Year Award.

Jack was born with severe hearing loss but has always attended mainstream schools and competes in, and dominates, mainstream taekwondo events.

He claimed bronze in his first international competition during the last year and has since been selected to represent Great Britain in individual, pairs and team events.

After becoming Scottish and British Champion in the U14 group last year, he now competes in the U17 group against competitors three years older than him.

The all-important competitive spirit was evident in his acceptance speech when he explained: “The idea of being the best is something you always want to achieve.”

The ceremony, which is organised by Active Sefton, also recognised the best clubs, coaches, schools and volunteers in the e area.

Greenbank High School was s awarded the best high school l award, while Churchtown n claimed the primary school title e and Merefield School, in Ainsdale, won the award for best team.

The lifetime achievement award was given to Thomas Law who has been an important part of local cricket for decades and helped huge numbers of youngsters to play the game.