ENTRIES may have been down on last year but the quality of sport from Haslemere's sportsmen, sportswomen, and youngstsers nominated for the town's sporting awards has never been higher.

Held at Woolmer Hill School, the Sports Personality of the Year Awards celebrated the success and achievements of sporting clubs, teams, and individuals.

It was the second special sports awards evening and followed the Haslemere annual town meeting during which the Mayor of Haslemere, Stephen Mulliner, gave a resumé of the work of Haslemere Town Council during the past year.

The evening was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Waverley, Brian and Patricia Ellis, and also present for the awards ceremony were the Mayoress of Haslemere, Sarah Mulliner, members of Haslemere Town Council, Haslemere police community safety officers Ralph Swindell and Louise Baldwin, the president of Haslemere Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Melanie Odell, and other guests.

Don Stacey from Sport Haslemere hosted the event and told the audience that the awards served a "two-fold purpose".

As well as celebrating sporting achievements of some of the best sporting stars in Waverley, Mr Stacey said that the awards also attracted new members to the town's sports clubs.

Several separate awards were also presented, including the Woolmer Hill trophy to the school's sportsman of the year.

The award was presented by deputy head Wendy Taylor, who said that for the first year, the award would be shared by two of the school's sporting heroes - Simon Facey and Harvey Nash, both 15, from year 10

"This is the first year we have found it difficult to separate the two nominations and this is the most talented sporting year group we have ever had.

Simon is captain of the school football team and said Mrs Taylor, "showed excellent leadership skills". He was also first change bowler and number four batsman in the school cricket team.

Harvey is centre back footballer and capable goalkeeper for the school team and Mrs Taylor said he "leads by example".

He is also skilled at basketball and is the opening bowler for Hampshire Cricket Club. "He has a high level of ability and quiet confidence.Well done to both boys," said Mrs Taylor.

Melanie Odell presented two awards on behalf of Haslemere Chamber of Trade and Commerce. The first went to Between the Lines for their winning Christmas window display last year and the second to Iain Lynch from Waverley Borough Council, described as "a stalwart supporter of Haslemere Initiative".

The award was also in recognition of his work for Haslemere Christmas Market and the Haslemere Healthcheck which, said Mrs Odell, was "far beyond his job description".

Sport Haslemere Sport Personality Awards were presented to sports club of the year - Haslemere Swimming Club; sports team - Haslemere Hockey Club; junior sports team - Haslemere Town Youth Football Club; Sports coach - Adam Baker; junior sports personality - Chloe Winter; services to sport John "Ruben" Burt; and disabled sports personality - Sarah Timms.

The highlight of the awards evening was the presentation of the Sports Personality of the Year.

This went to Tony Manos for his outstanding sporting achievements and especially for the foundation and success of Haslemere's wheelchair rugby.

The Mayor of Waverley closed the event and thanked everyone for taking part. Reflecting on his year as mayor he said: "The one thing that sticks in my mind is the talent, commitment, and dedication we see so often, particularly in young people.

"Congratulations to you all."