AN inspirational awards ceremony held to celebrate the achievements of the district’s sports people has been hailed a glittering success.

The sixth annual Malvern Hills District Community Sports Awards, in association with UK Flood Barriers, took place on Thursday at Malvern College, to recognise outstanding sporting achievement and commitment to sport over the past 12 months.

Over 200 nominees, guests, sponsors and VIPs attended the evening, which was organised by Malvern Hills District Council and hosted by BBC Hereford and Worcester presenter Andrew Easton.

The event opened with a hint of Rio, in honour of the Olympic Games to be held this Summer, with a performance from Samba band Someone at the Door, followed by speeches from Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire managing director Steve Brewster and Katrina Hart, of the Great Britain Paralympics team that won bronze in the 4x100m T37 relay at London 2012.

She said: “It was a real honour to be invited to the sports awards and to celebrate the success of sportsmen/sportswomen in the community."

Saffron Cresswell, who was named Young Female Sports Personality of the Year, said: "It was an absolute pleasure to win the award, sport is a real passion of mine and it is great to be recognised for this. It was an honour to be nominated alongside such talented athletes."

The Pendock Spring Chicken Run 2016 won the community project category. Held at Pendock Primary School annually, the event raises money for the school.

Head teacher Sally Lyndon-Chance said: “We are so proud to have received this award. It is fantastic that the Spring Chicken Run has been recognised for the exceptional contribution it makes to the community.”

Cllr David Watkins, the district council's portfolio holder for healthier communities, said: “We are thrilled to be able to host these awards to recognise the excellent sporting triumphs of our nominees as well as the dedicated coaches and volunteers who commit themselves to sport. Hearing about the achievements of the nominees certainly makes us proud of the talent and passion within this superb district.”

AWARDS

Team of the Year, sponsored by Fortis Living. Winner: Motionettes Jazz and Motionettes Poms; runner-up: Malvern RFC Colts

Young Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Morgan Motor Company. Winner: Sam Edmondson; runner-up: Megan Taylor.

Coach of the Year, sponsored by Malvern Hills Community Safety Partnership. Winner: Emma Edmonds; runner-up: Justine Brooks.

Inclusive Project, sponsored by Tulip. Winner: Newtown Sports Cerebral Palsy FC; runner-up: Swim Inspiration.

Community Project, sponsored by ESP Enigma. Winner: Pendock Spring Chicken Race; runner-up: This Worcs Girl Can.

Club of the Year, sponsored by Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Winner: Malvern Town Football Club; runner-up: Manor Park Bowls Club.

Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by YMCA Worcestershire. Winner: William Nelson; runner-up: Steve and Dana Hughes.

Newcomer of the Year, sponsored by AN: Event Services. Winner: Aimee Stephenson; runner-up: Danielle Hopkins.

Young Male Sports Personality, sponsored by Westbridge Food Group. Winner: Stan Pritchard; runners-up: Carrick Hill and Eddie McCrorie Mayne.

Young Female Sports Personality, sponsored by Malvern Instruments. Winner: Saffron Cresswell; runners-up: Camey Dorrell and Eliza Woodhouse.

Male Sports Personality of the Year, sponsored by The Best of Malvern Hills. Winner: Alexander Lloyd; runner-up: Dave Reynolds.

Female Sports Personality of the Year, sponsored by Freedom Leisure. Winner: Evie Richards; runner-up: Vicki Hancox.

Unsung Hero of the Year, sponsored by UK Flood Barriers. Winner: Amanda Smith; runner-up: Martin Brennan.