Celebrating High Peak's sporting heroes

Celebrating sporting success in fields as diverse as kickboxing and cyclocross took centre stage at the High Peak Sports Awards.

The awards, organised by the Borough Council, showcased local sporting talent alongside the often unsung dedication of volunteers and those who offer behind-the-scenes support to our local sporting heroes.

Winners at the ceremony, held in the Octagon Hall at Buxton's Pavilion Gardens, included a four-time world champion kickboxer, a three-time world champion para-cyclist and a national cyclocross champion; a gold medal-winning fencer (sabre discipline); talented young teams of fell-runners, female footballers and sailors; an inspirational boxing club founder, a tireless football club fundraiser and an internationally experienced fencer.

Councillor Tony Ashton, Council Leader, said: "I'd like to congratulate all our winners and all those who were nominated on their achievements. Events like this demonstrate just how much local talent we have and it's great to be able to come together to recognise the commitment and hard work of not just our winners but all those who are involved in taking part and supporting sporting activity across the High Peak.

"We're a nation of sport lovers and it plays such a big role in so many lives. Being active makes a real difference to our health and wellbeing and I hope that the example set by the people at these awards, and the diverse range of sports represented, inspires more of us to increase the activity in our own lives. Well done to everyone!"

The full list of winners is:

Junior Sports Achiever of the Year (sponsored by the High Peak School and Sport Partnership) - Ashley Edwards has won gold medals in Light, Semi and full contact kickboxing at the British Championships and recently took home his fourth world title.

Services to Sport Award (sponsored by Active Derbyshire) - Steve Tallo-Bradyset up the Gamesley Boxing Club which he runs with his team of volunteers. A highly-qualified coach, respected referee and North West Safeguarding Officer, Steve offers taster sessions at local primary schools to give young people the chance to experience the fun activities the Club provides.

Sportswoman of the Year (sponsored by Buxton and Leek College) - para-cyclist Katie Toft will be a name known to many after she won three world championship titles for track, road and time trial last year. Her titles also include winner of the World Cup series and the British Cycling national road series in the FC1 para-cycling category.

Volunteer of the Year - Helen Thornhill has proved to be a tireless fundraiser for Glossop North End AFC Junior organising numerous events throughout the year. She leads with energy and is widely respected by both the Club and the local community.

Junior Sports Team of the Year (sponsored by Tarmac) - Chapel-en-le-Frith High School's fell running team were named winners in the schools section after they finished a fantastic third in the English Schools fell running championships. Glossop North End Juniors and Ladies AFC U13 girls (Blues) took the clubs award after they won in the final of this year's North Manchester girls' football league.

Sportsman of the Year - Pete Middleton has a long history of competing in cyclocross and has won many titles over the years including his recent victory as Champion at the national V50 cyclocross event in Durham.

Club of the Year - went to Glossop Sailing Club a fully integrated inland water-sports club which offers dinghy sailing, windsurfing, powerboat training and paddle-boarding. Club members have achieved podium wins at regional and European events and junior members have been selected in the Royal Yachting Association zone squads across three fleet -  Optimist, Topper and Techno (windsurfing).

Coach of the Year (sponsored by Parkwood Leisure) - Michael Swiffin competes nationally and internationally at veterans level and has been coaching at the Marshall Fencing Club for the last six years. He visits primary schools and youth groups across the High Peak to develop fencing and even turned down the opportunity to compete at the Commonwealth Games in Australia due to his commitment to his younger athletes and their development.

Towards an Active Derbyshire Special Impact Recognition Award - SK Vipers Junior Football Club is a new team set up for the under 8s to under 13s age group. They practice regularly and are now successfully competing against teams from North Manchester. The Club has recently diversified into Futsal.