SPORTING enthusiasts from across the District were recognised on Monday night during Wychavon's annual Sports Development Recognition Awards for 2004.

Among the winners was 11-year-old Ollie Steele who was named Junior Sports Personality of the Year.

The young sport fanatic's achievements include captaining Worcestershire's Under 10 cricket team and the Colts football team. He was signed for Birmingham City's academy team last year and is also a member of Worcester Rugby Club.

Evesham Rowing Club was named Club of the Year while also snatching the Junior Team Award. The J16 quartet enjoyed an impressive season that saw them beating France as part of a British Coxed Eight crew.

Medal success

Club coach Norman Redgewell, who has been involved for more than 40 years, was voted Coach of the Year for leading the team's varied age groups to national medal success.

The Sports Personality of the Year was Suzanne Hampson who won bronze and gold at the World Lifesaving Championships.

The Senior Team of the Year trophy, sponsored by the Evesham Journal, was scooped by Pershore Cricket Club who won promotion to the Birmingham League.

Sports stars received a certificate and shield from Wychavon DC chairman Cllr David Noyes and sports development officer Mark Williams.

Cllr Noyes said: "I took a great deal of pleasure in giving these awards and it's brilliant that the amount of talent we have in Wychavon is recognised.

"In fact in Wychavon I am proud to say that more than half of the county's tennis and hockey clubs are in this District. "These awards are truly deserved."

The awards are given out annually by the Sports Development team for outstanding contribution to sport in the area.

Teams and sports personalities are nominated and the winners go through to the County Award nominations to be presented in March at Worcester Rugby Club.

Sports development officer Jem Teal said: "We congratulate the winners who had their efforts recognised by these awards. We would also like to say a special thank-you to Sue Collins from Wychavon Sports who contributed to making this such a fantastic event."