EMOTIONS were high as the sporting heroes of Hyndburn were honoured once again.

The borough’s annual sports awards were held at Accrington and Rossendale College bringing together talented teams and individuals and those dedicated to helping others.

Seven awards were up for grabs on the evening with the winners going forward to represent the borough in the Lancashire Sports Awards later in the year.

It was a good night for Accrington Girls and Ladies FC who were named community club of the year while club chairman Chris Bamford won the adult volunteer award.

“I am very proud, very emotional and extremely humbled to be given this recognition,” said Bamford who has been with the club since 2002. “As like most volunteers, I took on my roles because I love my chosen sport and I want to ensure that other people have the opportunity to take part.

“It can take up lots of your time but it is all worth it when I see the rewards of all our efforts.

“I am just one small cog in the machinery of our club so would like to dedicate the award to all the wonderful people who have contributed to the growth of the club over the last 10 years.”

Sheila Dixon of the Masters of Martial Arts Black Belt Academy won the lifetime achievement award for her dedication to her sport.

She has helped nuture more than 300 black belts and many ju-jitsuu champions in her time as a coach and is now globally respected and is the secretary of the British Ju-Jitsu Association Governing Body.

She said: “I have received some wonderful tributes and awards but there is nothing as special as when your own town and community recognise the voluntary hours and work one has put in over the years.”

While Dixon is at the top of the ju-jitsu ladder, young Oakley Woodhouse is climbing the rungs – but the 16-year-old is already making a name for herself.

She already has 14 top medals to her name, including victories at British Championships which makes her a worthy winner of the Rising Star Award.

Sarah Cowgill won the young volunteer of the year award for her work Hyndburn Athletics Club. As a team manager, she help the girls win their first ever league title and has helped many achieve personal bests.

She is aiming to gain more coaching qualifications and complete a sports coaching degreee so that she can help others.

Peel Park Primary won the school of the year accolade for showing off their all-round talents.

The school reached three county finals in tag rugby, indoor athletics and netball and also saw three pupils selected for the town cricket team.

Rick Smith picked up the coach of the year accolade for his work in badminton – supporting both children and adults, from complete beginners to county-level players.

He Blackburn Seniors from no-hopers to Division One champions in the Blackburn and District Badminton League andhas set up junrio coaching sessions for youngsters in Hyndburn. He also also summer camps and Active Women sessions to encourage them to take up sport.

Award winners
Adult Volunteer - Chris Bamford (football)
Young Volunteer - Sarah Cowgill (athletics)
Coach of the Year - Richard Smith (badminton)
Community Club - Accrington Girls & Ladies FC
Rising Star - Oakley Woodhouse (ju jitsu)
Lifetime Achievement - Sheila Dixon (ju jitsu)
School Award - Peel Park Primary School