CHRISTCHURCH youngsters’ sporting success was celebrated at an awards ceremony honouring their achievements.

The annual Christchurch and District Sports Council Sports Achievement Awards, held at East Dorset Indoor Bowls Club, saw more than 50 winners presented with prizes.

Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr John Lofts, handed out the awards for success across sports such as sailing, gymnastics, judo, rowing, athletics, swimming, football and hockey.

Awards were divided into categories, with 18 bronze awards for county standard success in sporting competitions, 11 silver awards for national standard success and 11 gold awards for international standard success.

The gold award winners were Joanne Arnell and Simon Mussell for sailing, Bethany Cooper and Alexander Peek for surf lifesaving, Joel Roberts for volleyball, David Williams for judo, Emilia-Mae Lynk for gymnastics, Sasha Ward for dance, Spencer Wilks for swimming, Charlie Roberts, water polo, and Matt Aldridge for rowing.

There were also two new categories this year with six Dedication to Sport awards and seven John Moss Sports Coaches awards.

The coaching awards category was created in memory of the late John Moss, president of the Sports Council from 1997 to 2012.

The Mayor said: “It is great to see so many young people receive awards for their achievements and dedication shown in their chosen sports.

“It is also fitting to see volunteers and coaches getting the recognition they deserve for supporting these young people in reaching such high standards.”