Talented young sportsmen and women in Christchurch have been honoured at an award ceremony in the borough.

The annual Christchurch and District Sports Council Achievement Awards saw 37 winners presented with prizes by the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Denise Jones.

Held at East Dorset Indoor Bowls Club, the range of sports covered included sailing, judo, taekwondo, rowing, athletics, water sports, football and cricket.

Awards were divided into categories, with 16 bronze awards for county standard success in sporting competitions, 12 silver awards for national standard success and two gold awards for international standard success.

The gold award winners were Matt Aldridge and Isabelle Brennan-Pope.

Matt was commended for his success in the Christchurch Rowing Club junior squad and for being selected to row for GB in an eight at Munich Junior International regatta when he came away with a bronze medal. He was chosen to represent GB at the Junior World Championship.

Isabelle is a very talented all round sports person. She competes for her school in athletics and has county representation for football, cricket and cross country. Her most successful sport is BMX at Club, Regional, National and International level competing in two international competitions in Holland and in England, and has qualified to join team GB in Zolder, Belgium in 2015.

There were also six ‘Dedication to Sport’ awards as well as a coaching award for Andrew Rushworth, an experienced sailor and racing coach who now coaches at Christchurch Sailing Club.

The Mayor said: “I am delighted at the determination, commitment and enthusiasm shown by all these award winners. These qualities not only help them in their chosen sporting activities but prepare them for life in general.

“I also wish to congratulate two other groups who have helped our sporting enthusiasts to achieve their goals – their trainers and their parents.”