THE family and support networks for successful athletes was a recurring theme at Herefordshire Sport's annual awards presentation evening at the Shirehall.

Councillor Phil Edwards, the mayor of Hereford, who stepped into the breach to present the awards when a 'chair malfunction', as she texted through, prevented Paralympic and World champion Josie Pearson from fulfilling the role, made the initial comment in his opening address.

"As a young sportsperson, it takes the whole family to support you," he said. "And, as the Hereford family, we are grateful for the support that you have put in.

"It's a privilege to be among you - a big 'well done' and thank you for letting me support you tonight."

Herefordshire Sport chairman Tony Larkin also commented on the support network of 'parents, family, friends, coaches, teachers and volunteers.

"You do so much to help your competitors," he said.

The majority of the awards were introduced by Herefordshire Sport secretary Bryan White but the Primary School of the Year award was described by Peter Knight, who was able to announce some good news for future sportspeople.

"Funding of £150m for PE in school sport has been ring-fenced until 2020, which is excellent for planning and longevity," he said.

"Each primary school will receive £8,000 in this and the next academic year which is a great opportunity for the continuation of the good work going on in primary schools."

Knight went on to describe the achievements of Madley Primary School, who have now won the award for four years in a row, and Wellington, who were highly commended.

Both schools, he said, offer all pupils two hours of sport each week and have forged strong links with sports clubs in the community.

Young sportspeople featured strongly among the award winners.

Junior male sports achiever Hugo Lemar, a finalist in the 200m backstroke at the the British Nationals Age Group Championships and ranked sixth in the country at the event, collected the award the second year in succession.

Taekwondo exponent Keiran Lowley and fencer Isaac Florence were highly commended in the same category.

Lemar's fellow City of Hereford Swimming Club member Harriet Aldous-Fountain was highly commended in the junior female sports achiever section which was won by cyclist Annasley Park.

Two other young athletes received awards from outside organisations at the presentation evening.

The Hereford Times Ted Woodriffe award went to enduro motorcyclist Katie Walker.

And the Sparks Gymnastic Club's Emily Goring award was presented to Megan Corrick by Jim Maitland.

AWARDS

Sportsman: Stan Cantrill.

Sportswoman: Morgan Baynham-Williams.

Junior female: Annasley Park; highly commended: Harriet Aldous-Fountain.

Junior male: Hugo Lemar; highly commended: Isaac Florence and Keiran Lowley.

Coach: Anna Robertson.

Disabled: Sam Crichard; highly commended: Laura Perry.

Team: Hereford Roller Girls.

Junior team: Ross Rowing Club's women's J14 coxed quad.

Club: Ross Juniors Football Club; highly commended: Hereford Dynamix Trampoline Club.

Service to Sport: Steve Newton; highly commended: Tony Williams.

Young Volunteer: Sharleen Watkins.

Primary School: Madley; highly commended: Wellington.

Pictures, clockwise from top left: Stan Cantrill, Morgan Baynham-Williams, Hugo Lemar, Katie Walker receives the Ted Woodriffe Award from Hereford Times sports editor Richard Prime, the Hereford Roller Girls, Annasley Park, Steve Newton, Sharleen Watkins.

More award winners will feature in future issues of the Hereford Times.