Burnley sporting stars shine bright at glittering awards ceremony

The prestigious award ceremony, which was held at the Burnley Mechanics, was hosted by Olympic gold medallist Jason Gardener MBE.

There were eleven award winners in total including winner of the Community Club of the Year, Clayton-Le-Moors Harriers Junior section.

Several of its juniors have been selected to run for Lancashire in the Fell Championships and cross country leagues.

Club junior Briony Holt also won the Young Achiever Award. She was selected to represent England and competed in the 2017 mountain running junior home internationals, helping the national team achieve gold.

As well as local sporting talent, the ceremony also celebrated the volunteers that help make sport possible for everyone

Millie Tipping was named Young Volunteer of the Year. Mille volunteers for the Getin2 team as a young leader at the St Peter’s leisure centre holiday club, roller discos, and local events.

The Lifetime Achievement award went to Geoff Ashworth of Burnley Rugby Club. This award is for an individual who has shown a lifetime commitment and made an outstanding and exceptional contribution to community sport.

Geoff, who joined Burnley Rugby Club in 1966 when he was just 16, said that it was one of the best things he ever did, as it helped build his confidence, he got to know people he wouldn’t have otherwise met and he loved both the sport and the social life. The rugby club influenced his life so much that he was always keen to encourage people to be involved in sport.

Michelle Grimes, events and funding officer at Burnley Leisure, said: “Part of what is special about Burnley is our love of sport.

"So it was great to have the opportunity to celebrate the contribution that sport makes to the borough - from healthier communities to promoting Burnley as a home of great athletes.

"Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to Birchall Food, and our other sponsors, who made this event possible.”

The full list of winners is as follows:

Community Club of the Year - Clayton-Le-Moors Harriers Junior Section

Coach of the Year - Ian McKay

Young Volunteer of the Year - Millie Tipping

Adult Volunteer of the Year - Jason Pier

Community Primary School of the Year - Whittlefield Primary School

Community Secondary School of the Year - Sir John Thursby Community College

Young Achiever - Briony Holt

Community Project Award - Couch to 5k

Contribution to Women’s Sport - Janet Roundell

Lifetime - Geoff Ashworth (Burnley Rugby)

Active Workplace - National Probation Service (Burnley office)