AN awards ceremony celebrating the achievements of the district’s dedicated sports people was hailed as a glittering success.

The fifth annual Malvern Hills District Community Sports Awards, sponsored by UK Flood Barriers, took place at Malvern College to recognise outstanding sporting achievement and commitment to sport within the area over the past 12 months.

AN Event Services added glamour to the evening by providing the production and technical support.

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

The event opened with a performance from Worcestershire Rock Choir followed by speeches from Freedom Leisure managing director Ivan Horsfall Turner, Holly Penwarden, community activity and rural development officer, and Natasha Hunt, part of the England team who won the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2014.

Thirteen awards were presented on the evening, including young male and female sports personality of the year awards, inclusive project of the year and volunteer of the year.

The awards were sponsored by a number of local businesses and organisations.

Freedom Leisure, the council’s leisure centre operator, were celebrating after being recognised for their club grant scheme and talented athlete support scheme.

Keynote speaker Natasha Hunt said: “After attending the Malvern sports awards, I was completely humbled on my drive home. It was great to celebrate the vast sporting success in Malvern with some extremely credible people.

“My particular highlight was Barbara Gibson, the badminton superstar who was competing in the over 70 category and dominating. It just goes to show what you can do if you put your mind to it.

“It was also great to meet Laura Thomas, an up-and-coming rugby player who has great prospects. I really hope to see more of her in the future.”

Bronwen Behan, deputy leader of the council, said: “A tremendous evening was had by all celebrating sporting achievements and dedication across the district and recognising local people’s contribution to sport over the past year.

“Many congratulations to all individuals, clubs and teams who were nominated for each of the 13 award categories. The council are exceptionally proud to be able to celebrate and reward them.”

The awards were filmed for the first time this year and clips can be viewed on the council’s Youtube page.

WINNERS AND RUNNERS UP Male Sports Personality of the Year – sponsored by Automated Packaging Systems Winner: Ryan Atkins (Malvern Hills Indoor Bowls Club) Runner-up: Oliver Farr (Golf) Female Sports Personality of the Year – sponsored by Freedom Leisure Winner: Barbara Gibson (Malvern Hills Badminton Club) Runner-up: Lisa Hurley (Malvern Triathlon Club) Young Male Sports Personality – sponsored by Westbridge Food Group Ltd Winner: Ross Harnden (Malvern Cycle Sport) Runner-up: Paddy Hyde (Tennis), Ben Twohig (Cricket) Young Female Sports Personality – sponsored by The Best of Malvern Hills Winner: Lottie Trevethan (Pentathlon) Runner-up: Emma Witherford (Kayaking), Laura Thomas (Rugby Union) Newcomer of the Year – sponsored by AN: Event Services Winner: Harriet Harnden (Malvern Cycle Sport) Runner-up: Emily Jones (Manor Park Bowls Club) Volunteer of the Year – sponsored by ESP Enigma Winner: Peter Barker (Upton Rowing Club) Runner-up: Laura Lillis (Worcestershire Disability Football Club), Roger Orgill (Manor Park Bowls Club) Club of the Year – sponsored by Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire Winner: Malvern Cycle Sport Runner-up: Malvern Hearts Netball Club Community Project – sponsored by Malvern Hills Community Safety Partnership Winner: Malvern Mammoths Community American Football Team Runner-up: Manor Park Bowls Club Inclusive Project – sponsored by YMCA Worcestershire Winner: Worcestershire Disability Football Club Runner-up: Newtown Sports Cerebral Palsy FC Coach of the Year – sponsored by Beacon Sports Winner: Chris Skinner (Manor Park Tennis Club) Runner-up: John Rees (Malvern Hills Sword Fencing) Young Volunteer of the Year – sponsored by TRaC Global Winner: Alex Randall (Chantry High School) Runner-up: Rob Mallett (Malvern Mammoths Community American Football Team) Team of the Year – sponsored by Trophies Direct Winner: Dyson Perrins Year 11 Rugby Squad Runner-up: Barnards Green Cricket Club U11/12 Unsung Hero of the Year – sponsored by UK Flood Barriers Winner: Jane Poynder (Manor Park Tennis Club) Runner-up: David Alban and Derek Cunningham (Worcestershire Disability Football Club)