Sporting individuals, groups, schools and volunteers were recognised at the annual Cheshire West and Chester Sports awards on Friday, March 13 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel and Spa.

Hosted by TV and radio personality Nick Hancock, the event was enjoyed by more than 200 guests including Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs MBE, High Sheriff of Cheshire Susan Sellers, Deputy Lord Mayor of Chester Hugo Deynem, Graham Evans MP, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council Mike Jones and President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Sir Phillip Craven with Lady Craven.

Mr Briggs said: “Tonight’s awards reflect the many ways and places that people choose to get active. They included the traditional community clubs but also alternative community settings, schools, colleges, universities and the workplace.”

He went on to praise the tireless work of so many volunteers, coaches, teachers, instructors and activators, without whom so many opportunities of sport and physical activity would not be possible.

On arrival, guests were treated to a memorable ‘Oscar’s style’ red carpet arrival with circus skills from the University of Chester Circus and Magic Society and a six strong ‘paparazzi pack’ made up of year 6 students from St Oswald’s CE Primary School.

The competition for the awards this year was fierce.

Anne Boyd, CEO of Active Cheshire said: “We are continually astounded by the amount of people who regularly get out and make sport and physical activities happen for people in Cheshire West and for a pro-active council who invest so much in the region to enable people access top quality leisure facilities, wonderful groups and programmes.”

The overall winners on the night were:

Junior Sports Achiever, sponsored by Shortlist Recruitment - Issac Tait

School of the Year, sponsored by Premier Sport - Delamere CE Academy

Adversity Award, sponsored by Westgrove Group - Jack Rowland

Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Butcher and Barlow - Ian Coppack

Activator of the Year, sponsored by Evolution Adventure - Jed Barlow

Active Employer of the Year, sponsored by Nexus Point - Chester Zoo

Group of the Year, sponsored by Gorilla BC - Ellesmere Port, Chester and Neston Special Olympics.

A special recognition award, sponsored by Active Cheshire was presented to former University of Chester student Samuel Crick of Streetworx, a football and basketball project played in the unique Panna Cage.

In 2013, the Inspector of Chester Outer Neighbourhood Policing Team, Inspector Kevin Chambers reported a year on year 18% reduction in youth related anti-social behaviour where the project had been involved.

£1800 was raised on the night for this fund from a speed auction. The organiser’s gave thanks to the Westgrove Group, Halliwell Jones BMW and Doubletree Hilton Hotel, Chester who provided the ‘Grand Package’ lots, Stoke City FC, Cheshire Phoenix, Chester FC, Chester RUFC, Butcher & Barlow and Chester Racecourse who also donated lots for the auction.