DEDICATED volunteers and athletes were honoured at the 2017 Halton Sports Awards.

Individuals and teams were picked from thousands across Runcorn and Widnes who give up their time each week to coach, train and support people each week.

Sarah Stinchcombe of Beechwood Netball Club scooped the Volunteer of the Year award.

Club secretary Sarah has been involved in volunteering for more than 13 years, consistently putting in over 20 hours per week and overseeing everything from safeguarding to first aid.

Her nominator said: “Apart from her work as a coach and a player she works tirelessly behind the scenes for her club.

“She does this for the good of the club and not for recognition. I cannot stress enough the hard work and effort she puts in for our club and the young people of Halton.”

The team who organise Phoenix Park, Parkrun received the Active Halton Award.

This new award is presented to a person, club or project that has made a difference to help improve the health of Halton Residents.

This Runcorn project was launched less than a year ago and has already attracted more than 1,000 participants.

Volunteers have organised more than 34 events and have encouraged many people to run for the first time and helped experienced runners to improve their timings and stamina.

Alex Hurst, team manager of Halton and Frodsham Harriers Club won The Young Sports Volunteer of the Year.

Her many roles involve coaching, organising event calendars and preparing athletes.

Elite gymnast Scarlett Fletcher from the City of Liverpool Rebound Gymnastics Club, won the Young Sports Person of the Year.

The 11-year-old Widnes schoolgirl competes in both trampolining and double trampolining and is the current British champion and won gold in her debut international competition in Portugal.

Versatile Scarlett trains for more than 26 hours every week.

Andrew Dodd, head coach from Halton Farnworth Hornets Amateur Rugby League Club, was named coach of the year

After devoting more than 15 years, Andrew coaches up to 12 hours per week.

His team has won both the Premier League and North West Counties Cup for the past three consecutive seasons.

Described by his peers as a dedicated and motivated coach, his commitment to his club is second-to-none and his appetite to share his passion for the game with as many people as possible made him a stand-out choice for this category.

Beechwood Netball Club which has 15 volunteer coaches, 50 adult players and 130 junior players, won Club of the Year.

The club provides a wide range of initiatives and team-building sessions.

Robert Wright from Mersey Valley Golf Club and the Special Olympics North West Team won Sports Person of the Year.

Golfer Robbie won a gold and bronze medal in China and silver at the regional games.

His nominator said: “He clearly demonstrates what can be achieved if you try hard enough.”

After devoting more than 50 years to football. Ronnie Hough received the Lifetime Achievement award.

Ronnie has been involved in the round-ball game for over 50 years. He was a well-respected player throughout his career and is now a valued founder member of the Widnes Football Forum.

He started his playing career in 1966 at St Michael’s Football Club and became captain at 22.

At 42 he became player manager at a new Sunday League team, The Blundell.

His nomination said: “Without his enthusiasm, St Mike’s would not be the team that it currently is and football in the town of Widnes could not have developed in the way that it has without his efforts.”