Press Release June 30 2010

Ribble Valley's young achievers and community champions were honoured at a ceremony in Clitheroe.

The annual Ribble Valley Sports, Arts and Community Awards were presented at a glittering ceremony at the Grand, Clitheroe.

Awards were presented for the area's best clubs, coaches, volunteers and community champions.

The MC at the event was sports broadcaster Peter Stevenson and the awards were presented by Ribble Valley Borough Council Deputy Mayor Simon Hore, Ribble Valley Council Leader Michael Ranson and Robert Thompson, chairman of the council's community committee.

Councillor Thompson said: "The quality and quantity of nominations for the awards were very high and a testament to the wealth of sporting and artistic talent in Ribble Valley. The ceremony was a fantastic event and we are delighted that so many people attended."

The award winners included Clitheroe pentathlete Samantha Murray, who recently finished fourth in the Modern Pentathlon World Cup and is tipped to shine at the 2012 London Olympics.

The awards: Coach of the Year - Don Lennon, Ribble Valley Athletics Club; Club of the Year - Clitheroe Hockey Club; Adult Volunteer of the Year - Val Wallbank, Longridge Town Junior Football Club; Young Volunteer of the Year - Sally Monks, Longridge Netball Club; Rising Star - Samantha Murray, Ribble Valley Modern Pentathlon Club; Lifetime Achievement Award - Tommy Hadwen, Read Cricket Club; Community Engagement Award - Tony Walsh, Lancashire Constabulary.

Arts excellence grants totalling £3,750 were also presented to 22 young dancers, actors and musicians.

Pic cap: GOING FOR GOLD - Nominees and winners at the Ribble Valley Sports, Arts and Community Awards are pictured with broadcaster Peter Stevenson and Ribble Valley Deputy Mayor Simon Hore (on the right).

Ends.

Ref: PR3410.

Date: June 30 2010.