Talented sports stars from across Maldon and the Dengie have been celebrated at an annual awards ceremony.

The Maldon District Sports Awards 2017 recognised clubs, schools and individuals during at event at Maldon’s Plume Academy.

Ten awards were handed out by dignitaries and guests including Plume headteacher Carl Wakefield and director Active Essex Jason Fergus.

Karate star Samuel Parker was named sports personality of the year.

The youngster has practiced the sport since he was six and has competed both nationally and internationally becoming a world champion aged just 12.

Young sports personality of the year award went to multi-event athlete Hannah Bardo.

Hannah, who also won awards in 2015, is ranked in the top ten for long jump, high jump, hurdles in the East of England. She is also in the top 20 for javelin.

The lifetime achievement award was presented to Wendy Robinson who has dedicated 50 years to Stone Sailing Club.

The This Girl Can gong went to Danielle Hoad who has organised and run community classes in rural areas for hard to reach people and classes within leisure centres across the district.

The changing lives award was presented to the Burnham parkrun team which set up the event in the town and now sees 90 people take part each week.

Wentworth Primary School was named school of the year with the school recognised for its success with tournament team wins, county level success and individual athletic successes.

Maldon Sharks were named sports club of the year.

The volunteer of the year award was presented to Judy Lee-Fenton for her involvement in the Essex Tai Chi Academy and James Haskey-Jones was named coach of the year for his work with the Blackwater Junior Triathlon team.

Amber Nicholl, PE teacher at Wentworth, said: “It is amazing to be given this award and it is quite an achievement for a primary school – I don’t think any primary school has won it recently.

“It is a massive achievement and we are really grateful. It is really nice to be recognised.”

David Burnham, leisure officer at the council, said: “It is a privilege to be able to organise and host the awards as it really shows how sport plays a crucial role in many of the lives of people based within our district.

“Be it via active participation or the incredible job of volunteering, coaching or supporting it is great to see the differences this makes to people’s lives.

“The district has a huge amount of talent and it is great to showcase this and hopefully inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

Bob Boyce MBE, chairman of community services, said: “It is good to see such a wealth of talent, commitment and sporting dedication within the district.

"I am pleased we are able to recognise the passion of all nominees and the success they have achieved. Particularly those who volunteer their time and support sport in their communities.”

Winners:

  • This Girl Can – Danielle Hoad
  • Changing Lives Award – Burnham on Crouch Parkrun Team
  • School or College of the Year – Wentworth Primary School
  • Volunteer of the Year – Judy Lee-Fenton
  • Sports Club of the Year – Maldon Sharks
  • Coach of the Year – James Haskey-Jones
  • Community Project of the Year – Maldon Walking Football
  • Lifetime Achievement Award – Wendy Robinson
  • Young Sports Personality of the Year – Hannah Bardo
  • Sports Personality of the Year – Samuel Parker