A RISHTON primary school has raced clear of its rivals to take the gold medal for its contribution to sport in the borough St Charles RC in Knowles Street was crowned Hyndburn Community Sports Awards’ Primary School of the Year in a glittering ceremony at Accrington Town Hall.

The school was one of 11 winners whose achievements were celebrated at the annual event, in categories including coach of the year and lifetime achievement.

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St Charles has developed strong links with local organisations such as Rishton Cricket Club and Rishton United, and has also developed a good relationship Blackburn Rovers.

PE co-ordinator, Rachael Gavin, said: “Sport here is getting bigger and bigger and it’s great to see the children enjoying it so much.

“We involve children across all age groups a wide variety of events, such as the ‘mile challenge’ where each pupil runs a mile, and a ‘zumbathon’ that sees them complete three hours of dancing.

“There is 17 hours of extra-curricular activities provided each week and we have forged links with a number of community clubs, which lots of our children join outside of school.”

The other winners were: Coach of the Year – Shaun Fitzpatrick; Adult Volunteer of the Year – Sally Woods; Service to Disability Sport – Amie Barratt; Inspire Award – Julie Beaghan and Debra Astley; Team of the Year – Huncoat Primary School football team; Community Club of the Year – Pioneer 79 ASC; Young Achiever of the Year – Niamh Robinson; Highly Commended – Bria Fielding, Globe Bullough Park FC; Secondary School of the Year – Accrington Academy; Lifetime Achievement Award – Joseph Duckett.

A spokesman for Hyndburn Leisure Trust said: “These awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of our local sporting heroes and reward them for their incredible efforts – whether it’s a club, coach or volunteer who is in the public eye or behind the scenes.

“There are hundreds of people involved in sport in some capacity across the borough and while we can’t recognise them all, the awards showcase the sporting talent in Hyndburn.”