MALVERN teenager Evie Richards enjoyed success at the 15th annual Herefordshire and Worcestershire Sports Awards.

The 17-year-old picked up the BBC Newcomer of the Year accolade at Worcester’s Sixways Stadium in an event that attracted a record number of attendees, 260.

The Chase School pupil finished sixth in the Union Cycliste Internationale Mountain Bike World Championships junior women’s cross-country race.

Her performance in Norway capped a superb breakthrough season for the Malvern Cycle Sport competitor.

Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire organised the evening to recognise local athletes, coaches, clubs, projects and volunteers.

Commonwealth Games-winning triathlete Vicky Holland gave an inspirational talk alongside Paralympic wheelchair racer Mel Nicholls.

A raffle raised £396 each for Worcestershire’s Joanna Brown Trust and Herefordshire’s Ready, Steady, Win.

The cash will go towards providing bursaries to promising youngsters and encouraging involvement in sport.

Meanwhile, the Sports Personality of the Year was won by rugby star Chris Pennell, of Worcester Warriors and England.

Stephen Brewster, director of the sports partnership, said “We are delighted to be able to reward and recognise local sportsmen and women, as well as all the wonderful work that goes on across the two counties.”