CHILDREN and teenagers, aged from seven to 18, were honoured at a special awards ceremony celebrating sporting achievement.

Hosted by Bournemouth’s Harewood and Avonbourne Colleges, the sixth Sports Personality of the Year awards celebrated the achievements of children from eight local schools.

More than 650 young people attended the event, which was held at Harewood’s Roy Moore Sports Hall.

In total, 150 children received commendation out of more than 600 nominated over the internet and by their teachers, with 20 of those winning the top personality of the year prizes.

Guest of honour and helping to give out the first sixth form awards for the newly-formed Avonbourne Sixth Form was AFC Bournemouth’s Josh Wakefield.

The midfielder said: “I would like to congratulate all of the students who were honoured for their hard work to get these awards. If they carry on working this hard at school and keep going, there is no stopping them in getting what they want.”

The awards ceremony celebrates the efforts of school children from year 3 to year 12. It brings together eight schools – Kings Park, Bethany, Malmesbury Park, St James, Pokesdown and Stourfield primaries and Avonbourne and Harewood Colleges – to celebrate the achievements sport has brought them.

Recognition is given to the young person who has, through their personality, contributed most to school sport in their year group.

Winners were selected from each primary school plus each year group at Avonbourne and Harewood Colleges.

Awards were also presented to students who best represented the seven Olympic values – excellence, friendship, respect, inspiration, equality, determination and courage.

The event also gave primary school students a chance at trying new sports.

Executive headteacher of Avonbourne and Harewood Colleges Debbie Godfrey-Phaure said: “Sport is a great way of inspiring young people to work hard and try their best. It encourages sportsmanship and working in a team.

“We are very passionate about sport and our annual Sports Personality of the Year awards are a wonderful celebration of our local school students.”