THE heroes and rising stars of sport in Lancashire were honoured at the 2008 Lancashire Sports Awards — a glittering ceremony held at Preston Guild Hall on Friday 24th October.

A host of stars from the world of sport including Sir Tom Finney OBE, Jimmy Armfield OBE, Gladiator 'Panther' (aka Kara Nwidobie) and Paralympians Shelly Woods, Felicity Coulthard and Graeme Ballard were among the 480-strong audience for the seventh annual awards dinner, that recognised the achievements of people who have made the most outstanding contribution to sport in the Lancashire.

All 14 boroughs from across the county were represented.

Categories up from grabs were the Coach of the Year (sponsored by UCLAN), Community Club of the Year (sponsored by Robson Lloyd Consulatancy Ltd) , Young Volunteer and Rising Star — an award for under 18s, sponsored for the fifth year by Lancashire bakers Warburton’s.

There was also a Special Recognition Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award presented for outstanding services to sport (sponsored by Lancashire County Developments Ltd).

And Chorley’s Amanda Stileman was the only overall winner from East Lancashire, winning the Special Recognition award — although a handful of highly commended winners returned home.

Amanda was a founder member of the Chorley Cougars Basketball Club and has been pivotal in developing youth basketball in the district, as well as across the County.

Amanda introduced training sessions and supported district teams for the Lancashire Youth Games and has been dedicated to the development of the Lancashire Basketball Association and Central Venue League competitions.

Talented snowboarder Dean Horsfield from Hyndburn won his prize in the Rising Star category.

He finished third in the National Snowboarding Competition and a fine sixth place in the European Burton AM Tour.

Selina was a worthy winner in the special recognition section having worked tirelessly for the North Valley Friendly League since 1996 and fulfiling many roles from club and league secretary, referee and secretary of the girls development forum.

In the last 12 months, Selina has established the first Under-9s League for Girls in the County and introduced a five year development plan into the North Valley Dynamoe League.

Swimming coach Gavin Butterworth has established Blackburn Centurions as one of the best clubs in the county.

His energy, commitment, humour and expertise, has galvanised the swimmers and teaching /coaching staff to heights previously unknown at the club.

He is a primary influence on their sporting success and without him, the club would not be in the position it is today.

Christian Slinger from Rossendale was honoured as a Young Volunteer.

He is registered on the Young Volunteers Programme run by Lancashire Sport Partnership and is currently approaching the 300 hour mark.

He has worked with Edenfield Cricket Club for six years, supporting coaching sessions, local cricket camps and supervising games.

Christian obtained grant funding totalling £3760 on behalf of the area, to enable a winter coaching programme to be run for girls.

And Pendle Forest Sports Club is a club run primarily by volunteers.

The football section of the club fielded 31 teams last season and the club also boasts five cricket teams, four hockey teams and a rounders squad.

The Club’s Development Officer has enabled coaching sessions to take place in every primary school in Pendle and through proactively developing links with Pendle Community High School the club now serves Pendle and Burnley by providing coaching sessions to children/young adults with disabilities.

Adrian Leather, Chief Executive of Lancashire Sport, said: “The evening was all about celebrating Lancashire's talented young sports men and women, and those who give up their time to coach and support sports clubs which play such a crucial role at the grass roots of sport. “Sport has a huge impact on people's lives and our clubs are at the very heart of our communities - bringing enjoyment, fitness and a real sense of achievement.”