EAST Hampshire District Council’s Sports Awards had a record number of entries this year.

From martial arts to baton twirling, through squash, swimming, tennis and trampolining the very best of sport was celebrated at the East Hampshire Sports Awards.

Hundreds of sports stars, coaches, volunteers and supporters packed out the Old Thorns Golf and Country Estate, in Liphook, at East Hampshire District Council’s prestigious annual ceremony on February 15.

Star quality was provided by Olympic silver medallist Roger Black, one of the south’s most recognised sporting celebrities, who hosted the evening, and from special guest marathon man Ben Smith.

Ben ran 401 marathons in 401 days and he spoke inspirationally about the challenges and set-backs he overcame while completing his 10,506 miles, the equivalent of running from London to Sydney.

The audience were alternately enthralled and amused by both Ben and Roger’s memories and anecdotes and both were inundated with requests for selfies as part of the council’s social media selfie competition.

But the centre of attention were those nominated for the evening’s 17 awards.

A mix of fierce competitors, driven coaches and volunteers who work so that others can play were all given their moment in the spotlight.

With more entries this year than ever before, the nominees were drawn from all corners of the district, from all age groups and from a diverse array of sports.

Football, rugby, trampolining, golf, sailing, swimming, squash, tennis, walking netball and even a pub pool team which won a national trophy in Blackpool were represented.

Alton and Petersfield led the field of winners with five each, while Four Marks, Whitehill and Bordon, Ropley, Horndean, Liphook and Bentworth also produced winners.

East Hampshire District Council’s deputy leader and portfolio holder for customer relations Cllr Julie Butler said: “It was a truly inspirational evening and everyone went away uplifted by what they had seen and heard.

“I want to thank Roger and Ben for their spellbinding contributions with memories and anecdotes. Roger hosted the evening with warmth and wit and Ben left us all speechless with his inspirational tale of endurance and self-motivation.

“It was incredibly moving to see so many people from all over East Hampshire and from so many sporting disciplines each with a brilliant story to tell.

“This event grows by the year and we look forward to the next one with keen anticipation.”