THE best of West Oxfordshire’s sporting community were honoured at an annual awards ceremony.

Talented sports stars, clubs and dedicated volunteers across the district were handed accolades at the event organised by West Oxfordshire District Council and GLL Sports Foundation, which supports athletes around the UK.

The night saw 45 highperforming sportsmen and women commended at Witney Lakes Resort.

The council’s head of leisure and communities Diana Shelton said: “From county right through to European and world-class, there is a fantastic depth of talent in West Oxfordshire representing a wide variety of sports.

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“As well as supporting these talented individuals, the awards recognise all the clubs and volunteers who create opportunities.”

Three additional sports awards were handed out at last Thursday’s fourth annual ceremony – Club of the Year, Coach of theYear and Unsung Hero.

Carterton Gymnastics Club based at Carterton Community College won Club of the Year.

The club raised the bar this year, as one of its coaches Debra Courtenay-Crane scooped the Coach of the Year prize.

Mrs Courtenay-Crane gives up more than 14 hours a week to voluntarily coach gymnasts from novice to elite levels, aged from five up to 76.

She said: “The awards for both the club and myself come as a great honour.

“I am very grateful to everyone that gives their time to help.

“To see the impact it can have on our members’ lives is amazing.”

The night’s Unsung Hero award went to Rob Symonds, a volunteer hockey and orienteering coach at Finstock School.

Minster Lovell Cricket Club, Tower Hill Football Club, Charlbury Riverside Festival, Burford Orchestra and West Ox Arts were recognised for their work to be inclusive to disabled people.

Community volunteer Chris Baylis from Woodstock was awarded the Chairman’s Award for his involvement in numerous local projects.

The businessman founded Art in Woodstock, an annual event where the town’s businesses play host to artists, and has supported music events such as the free Woodstock Live music festival.