ATHLETES and coaches representing a range of sports gathered at Hereford Shirehall for the 37th Herefordshire Sports Awards.

Paralympic swimming legend Sascha Kindred took home the sportsman of the year prize for the fourth time and his second in two years.

The 39-year-old – who recently announced his retirement from the sport having won his seventh Paralympic gold medal at the Rio Games – took the opportunity to thank everyone for their support.

"I am very honoured to achieve the award and it is a great honour for everyone else to either win and award or be nominated," said Kindred.

"Everybody is part of the sports family, whether they're an athlete, a coach a volunteer, or just a plus one."

There were 12 categories on the night, which included athlete Clara Evans scooping sportswoman of the year and Westfields being named senior team of the year.

Andy Bevan, who helped mastermind Westfields' run to the FA Cup First Round, picked up the coach of the year prize, while John Beman claimed the services to sport award.

Primary schools who have placed an emphasis on physical education were also honoured, with Burghill Community Academy winning the main award and Madley Primary School and Trinity Primary School sharing the 'continued excellence' prize.

The ceremony was organised by Herefordshire Sport and included speeches from secretary Bryan White and chairman Tony Larkin.

Stuart Rolfe, chief executive officer at Halo, also spoke on the night and presented the awards.