SPORTING enthusiasts from across the district were recognised at Wychavon's annual Sports Development Recognition Awards for 2005.

For helping 30 academy players reach semi-professional status and for winning the College County Championship, Geoff Samuels was named Senior Sports Personality of the Year.

For continually helping to produce elite athletes with his fitness and weight training sessions and programmes, Evesham Rowing Club's Dave Perry won the Coach of the Year Award.

Worcester Triathlon Club men's and West Midlands duathlon champion and Evesham High School pupil Daniel Keen won the Male Junior Sports Personality Award for his overwhelming success and dedication to the sport.

Considered the main driving force and its central character, Dave Burns from the Lenches Sports and Recreation Club won the Volunteer of the Year Award for his tireless commitment and enthusiasm.

For the second successive year, Evesham Rowing Club was named Club of the Year for outstanding achievements in rowing, squash and tennis.

Retired Abbey Park Middle School teacher Marion Phillips picked up the Outstanding Contribution Award for her commitment to raising standards in PE throughout the school.

Sports stars received a certificate and shield from Wychavon District Council chairman Cllr Pam Davey and sports development officer Mark Williams.

Cllr Davey said: " It was a pleasure to be involved in this event. The winners of these awards not only have the talent and dedication to achieve their own goals, they are also prepared to help others achieve. They have all displayed the true spirit of sportsmanship ."

The awards are given out annually by the sports development team for outstanding contribution to sport in the district.

Teams and sports personalities are nominated and the winners go through to the county awards to be presented at the Bank House Hotel in Worcester next month.