BURNLEY’S athletes, clubs and volunteers were recognised for their hard work and dedication to sport at the Burnley Community Sports Awards.

Winners of 10 awards were announced at the glittering ceremony at Burnley Mechanics attended by shortlisted nominees, their families and friends, event sponsors and members of Burnley Leisure.

Guests were treated to an inspirational speech by Olympic champion Sally Gunnell OBE, who also hosted the event and helped hand out the trophies.

Fulledge Colts Youth Football Club, which offers almost 100 hours of coaching across 27 teams every week, scooped the Community Club of the Year.

And there was double delight for the club as chairman Vicki Jordan picked up the Adult Volunteer of the Year Award.

The Coach of the Year Award went to Shrona Pilling from Burnley Netball Club where she has helped the club in engaging over 80 people on a weekly basis.

Get in2 star volunteer Samiya Rahman was named the Young Volunteer of the Year. A keen cricketer and rounders player, Samiya is a regular volunteer at St Peter’s Holiday Club and the Boathouse in Thompson Park.

The Young Achiever of the Year trophy was awarded to Burnley RUFC player Anya Richmond where she has played from under sevens to under 18s. This year she has been selected for the North U18s first team.

Burnley College was crowned the Active Workplace of the Year for their success in getting its staff physically active. There are now more than 400 members of staff attending regular activities within the college.

And the Contribution to Women’s Sport Award went to Jo Baldwin, one of the faces of Sport England’s #ThisGirlCan campaign. Her passion and enthusiasm for rounders led to her becoming a Director of Rounders England, helping shape the future of the sport.

Casterton Primary School was named the Community Primary School of the Year, with the Secondary School award going to Sir John Thursby Community College.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Heather Scott, who has been a member of Burnley Athletic Club for 17 years. She played a pivotal role in bringing junior parkrun to Burnley in 2016 and was also the lead person from the club in helping to launch the Burnley Couch to 5k programme.

Michelle Grimes, events and funding officer at Burnley Leisure, said: “It was great to have the opportunity to celebrate the contribution that sport makes to our borough - from healthier communities to promoting Burnley as a home of great athletes.

“Congratulations to all the winners and thanks for our sponsors who made this event possible.”