THIS year’s Farnham Sports Awards achieved new heights thanks to both the quality and quantity of the nominations.

Farnham Sports Council organise the annual awards scheme and initiate a wide range of award categories that cover sporting volunteers, individuals, teams and clubs.

This year, the awards night was held at Farnham Rugby Club, off Monkton Lane.

David Gill, the chairman of Farnham Sports Council commented: “The standard of nominations for this year’s sports awards were once again incredibly high and we should all be very proud that Farnham has so much talent and so many brilliant sports clubs.

“Very well done to all the winners and to those who received special awards or who were highly commended.

“To all those in our community who volunteer, or help to promote and develop sport in Farnham, thank you all for your efforts and keep up the good work, you really do make a difference in your community”.

This year’s Young Sports Personality award winners in their respective age groups were the brilliant golfer Lottie Woad from Farnham Golf Club and the young black belt Tae Kwon Do star, Daisy Johnson.

The Sports Team winners for this year were, in the junior section, the Weydon School under 16 football team, who had an outstanding cup-winning season and, in the senior section, the Rowledge Cricket Club 1st team were the deserving winners after their promotion to the first division of the Southern Premier League and their national village cup run.

The disability sports personality award went to the blind golfer, Jason Bastable, after a superb season that culminated in him winning the Blind World Golf Championship, an outstanding human and sporting achievement.

The Young Volunteer of the Year award was shared by Eva Porter, who has done so much to support Farnham Swimming Club, and Cameron Carrington who willingly helps out at the Farnham Boxing Club. Both winners were described as positive young role models.

The senior Volunteer Award was won by Linda Tyler who has shown great passion in promoting active lifestyles in the community through running initiatives.

The Sports Coach of the year recognition went to American football coach Pete ‘Too Tall’ Fields for his outstanding commitment well beyond the call of duty.

There were a good number of superb community sports clubs in the Farnham area jostling for the Club of the Year, including Farnham Swimming Club, Farnham Boxing Club, Stellar Gymnastics and Farnham Runners. However this year’s Sports Club of the Year award was shared jointly by two of last season’s most successful clubs - the Aldershot and Farnham Hockey Club and the Brightwell Tennis Club, both of them also displayed a progressive approach to club management.

The hockey club scooped a second success through Malcolm Turner, who deservedly won the Service to Sport Award after his significant contribution to hockey during more than 30 years of service to the club.

Recognised for his special and unique running achievements was Ian Carley who now runs marathons whilst singing and playing his guitar to raise money for charity. He received his award from the Mayor of Waverley, Denise Le Gal.

Also mentioned on the evening were the passionate and brilliant young footballers, Freddie Lane and Ben Paine, and Rachel Morris was highlighted for the encouragement she’s given to Farnham Boxing Club.

Two highly dedicated open water swimmers, Katie Stanley and Debbie Addison also won special inspiration awards, as did Michael Everitt. Though deaf, he is a very successful sailor.

Three others also received sporting inspiration recognition - Chris Marker for the support he gives to Farnham Boxing Club, Alex Whattingham for his marathon running and fund-raising efforts and Mark Baines for his special character which helps to make Farnham Rugby Club a more vibrant club. The deputy mayor of Farnham, Paula Dunsmore, featured in a variety of special awards including the amazing ‘park run’ achievements and inspiration of Kathy Brown.

She also presented an award for the long-service and dedication of Alan Johnson from Frensham Sailability.

Though not able to attend the awards event, the exceptional contributions over 35 years by Chris and Julie Stephens to disability sport was also a highlight of the evening.

Just like the BBC’s version, the previous winners of the Farnham Sports Personality of the Year have included some great sporting names including Paralympian Rachel Morris, England cricketer Graham Thorpe and Rugby World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson.

This year’s Sports Personality award was won by the outstanding young Aldershot and Farnham Athletic Club and Great Britain runner, Lily Partridge, who came eighth in the London Marathon elite women’s race, in a world class field.

The talented athlete was presented with her award by Chris Finill, who was the event’s guest speaker and who is one of a very small number of athletes to have run in every London Marathon since it started in 1981.

Farnham’s event is one of 14 similar sports award evenings around the county and they are organised in conjunction with Active Surrey. All local winners from around Surrey, including Farnham’s award winners, go through to a county assessment panel to be considered for the prestigious Surrey Sports Awards.

Marion Stockley, the sports council secretary said: “It was a wonderful evening and our thanks go to Farnham Rugby Club for allowing us to host our sports awards evening and to all the vital clubs and individuals who made the nominations, without their contributions we wouldn’t be able to stage the event.”