CITY of Hereford Swimming Club's James Bilbao was named Junior Male Sports Person of the Year at last night's Sports Partnership Herefordshire & Worcestershire Sports Awards following an outstanding year in the pool.

The 14-year-old Bishop's School pupil is number one in the 13 to 14-year-old category in the country having won the 200m breaststroke at the British Championships.

He has been identified and selected for the England Talent Development Programme following his 17 hours a week training regime.

Bilbao was also a finalise at the British Summer Championship in the 100m breaststroke and competed in the 50m breaststroke and 400m individual medley at the English Nationals. His achievements is just one of a number achieved by City of Hereford Swimming Club members.

As reported by the Hereford Times last week, Lauren Davies broke the championship record in the junior girls breaststroke at the Army Cadet Force (ACF) National Swimming Championships.

The 14-year-old, who also goes to Bishop's, completed the 50m length in 40.67 seconds.

Lauren, who also won silver in the individual medley, as well as in a relay event at the event held at Aldershot Garrison, is next in action when she takes part in the Hereford Open Meet at Hereford Leisure Centre on Saturday, November 21.

Ross Juniors Football Club were also celebrating last night after being named Community Club of the Year.

Since its formation in 2004, Ross Juniors have become one of the largest football clubs in the county and now have 27 teams, with an age range of four to 76.

The club also encompasses a girls' section, which started three years ago, and has a walking football team to allow over-50s, both men and women, to keep an active lifestyle.

A leading partner of the Football and Cricket Partnership, Ross Juniors have raised funds to provide an excellent refurbishment programme for the Sports Centre that acts as a 'sports hub' for the community.