DEDICATED and passionate individuals were recognised for their talent at the Surrey Sports Awards, with Farnham walking away with three local winners – Verity Snook, Lily Partridge and Paul Phillips.

The ceremony took place at HG Wells Conference and Event Centre in Woking last month. The Active Surrey Coach of the Year Award was scooped up by Verity Snook, of Aldershot Farnham and District Athletics Club.

The Freedom Leisure Sports Personality of the Year Award went to Olympic hopeful athlete Lily Partridge, of Aldershot Farnham and District Athletics Club.

And the Surrey County Council Disability Sport Award went to sailor Paul Phillips, from Frensham Pond Sailability.

The Mayor of Farnham Town Council, Pat Frost, said: “We need to congratulate the local sports people. We wish to really acknowledge the success of Lily Partridge as she continues her preparations for Rio 2016, I think it is really quite an achievement.

“Congratulations to St Polycarp’s football team, Gemma of Farnham Swimming Club and Steve of Farnham Rugby Club, for also being shortlisted in the Surrey Awards.

“This is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved and certainly for those in Farnham, and I am delighted to have met them at the awards. So, congratulations go to all of them.”

David Gill, chairman of Farnham Sports Council, paid a tribute to the winners: “Well done to all of our role models. Farnham certainly punched well above its weight at this years Surrey Sports Awards.

“In a changing world, sport and active recreation provides the catalyst for community gatherings, from training session to competitive matches, where people play, talk and share experiences. Sport and active recreation is not the cure-all for all society’s issues, but it can assist in a really positive way.

“Sport is part of the fabric of Farnham life. It’s also easy to overlook the additional benefits sporting and fitness-related activities bring to our society. The real legacy of the Bourne development, and the good work done by all community sports clubs in the town, is the building of stronger, healthier, happier and safer communities.”