Sport stalwarts are feted at Guild Hall

Preston Sports Awards was held at the Guild Hall. Pictured are Nicola White MBE, Stephanie Slater MBE, Peter Mason BEM (Preston Sports Forum), The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Preston Councillor John Collins and Mayoress Mrs Mary Brade, Steve Daley, Janet Walker (Guild Hall), Paul Crone

The 12th annual Preston Guild Hall Sports Awards once again showcased the amazing achievements of Preston's clubs, volunteers and athletes over the last year.

Each year the judges face a challenging task of building a shortlist for the awards and this year was no exception.

The calibre of the shortlisted nominees was highlighted on the night with some categories having joint winners.

Both Steve Heaps and Ben Ashworth being recognised in the special recognition awards for going above and beyond in sport.

Achievement Performance of the Year Junior Female Sponsored by McDade Roberts. Left to right: Ella McDonald, Kevin Carey Managing Director (McDade Roberts), Lauren Anyon

Heaps provides swimming opportunities to the masses including talented athletes andAshworth uses sport as a tool to raise awareness of bowel cancer. The event was opened by the mayor of Preston councillor John Collins and hosted by Paul Crone.

The fantastic guest speaker was Nicola White MBE, who won a hockey gold medal in Rio.

The awards night also boasted a showstopping performance from the City of Preston Gymnastics Club, while two special pride of Preston awards handed out.

The first was presented to paralympic swimmer Stephanie Slater who inspired the nation last summer, winning both gold and silver medals in Rio 2016.

Lifetime Achievement Sponsored by John Turner Construction Group. Left to Right: Chris Dolan Design Manager (John Turner Construction Group), Arthur Malone

Steve Daley was also singled out after he became the most capped England male footballer – beating peter Shilton – when he won his 126th cap for England’s visually impaired futsal team.

The finale saw Preston Hockey Club volunteer Arthur Malone recognised for his dedication, enthusiasm and involvement in the sport for more than 20 years.

Award winners

Coach of the year (aged 16 years plus) – Sponsored by Bowker BMW: Sam Fitzpatrick (Preston Pride Basketball Club)

Volunteer of the Year 25+ - Sponsored by Jigsaw Training. Left to Right: Melanie Phillipson HR Manager (Jigsaw Training), Richard Millar, Yasmin Suleman (on behalf of Yunus Suleman), Jyoti Karri, Terry Clayton

Club of the year – Sponsored by Surridge Sport Joint award: Preston Table Tennis Association and Preston Pirates BMX Club

Young Achiever (under 21 years) – Sponsored by Millers Taxis : Holly Hunter (Garstang Ladies Hockey Club)

School of the year (Primary) – Sponsored by – Go Velo: St Andrews CE Primary School

School of the year (Secondary) Sponsor by– Wallwork, Nelson & Johnson: St Cecilia’s RC High School