TALENTED sportsmen and women, senior and junior, were celebrated at Poole's annual awards ceremony held at Magna Academy School.

The awards, organised by Poole Sports Council in partnership with Borough of Poole's culture and community learning service, celebrated the sporting achievements of individuals, teams and those who have dedicated long service to sport.

"We called upon local sports organisations and the people of Poole to identify athletes that have gone above and beyond," said Richard Yates, chairman of Poole Sports Council.

"The evening was a celebration of the success Poole has seen over the last year in many different sports."

A wide variety of sports were honoured including swimming, cycle speedway and wheelchair rugby.

Mayor of Poole, Cllr Ann Stribley, who presented certificates of commendation said: "It's lovely to see so many talented people in Poole. Their hard working attitudes and success is such a compliment to Poole."

Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for local economy, culture and leisure said: “It’s inspiring to see so many residents committing themselves to sport. There were nominations made for people of all ages, providing excellent role-models to everyone. We would like to express our grateful thanks to our sponsors."

For the third year, the awards were sponsored by the Everyone Active Leisure Centres in Poole. Sean Gabriel, centre manager at Rossmore and councillor for Canford Heath West, presented the Everyone Active Sports Trophy to Lindsay Hole, a volunteer co-ordinator for Team Dorset Athletics Network who helped secure nearly £100,000 for Poole Athletics track.

Longfleet Youth FC players committee, one of the largest and most successful clubs in Poole which gives a voice to children in how it is run, has also gone the extra mile for their sports and received a trophy.

Dorset Destroyers wheelchair rugby team received an award for an outstanding contribution to disability sports.

The night ended with the presentation of the Freddie Rowe Sports Cup to Mark Shackles in recognition of his achievements and dedicated services to the Royal Life Saving Society and East Dorset Open Water Swimming Club.

Nominations for next year’s Sports Awards will be invited in April 2016.