The Wharton Cons ace was awarded the Vale Royal Trophy after a season which has seen him become the first player ever to win the All England, Cheshire and Mid Cheshire Merits.

He beat off stiff competition from footballer Mike Whitlow and powerlifter John Blackburn and will receive his prize at the council's awards ceremony on March 6.

The Chairman's Trophy for the best junior sportsperson (under 21) went to Alex Carter of Vale Royal AC.

Alex went from strength to strength in 1997, taking seconds off her 1500m personal best time to earn an England call up, competing in the European Youth Olympics in Portugal - as well as winning her age group in the English Schools Championship.

Alex's main competition for the award came from cyclist Paul Kay, who became junior national champion in '97, fellow athlete Louise Whittaker who was ranked as the best Under 15 1,500m in the country last year and Daniel Buxton who became, at 19, the youngest driver ever to win the British XR2 championship.

The team trophy went to the Johns brothers, the table tennis trio of Brian, Ian, and Mike who won the UK Veterans championship.

Their success continued last week in the regional qualifiers for the same competition, beating Stockport, Liverpool and Blackpool to progress to the semi-finals.

The winner of the trophy for disabled sport was footballer, volleyball player and golfer Andy Brittles.

The award for contribution to sport, the Ken Riddock Trophy, was won by Peter Warburton who has served Winsford FC for 50 years.

For details of the awards presentation dinner, on Friday, March 6 at Wharton Cons Club, Winsford ring Tom Davies on 01606 49588. Guest speaker will be champion high jumper, Steve Smith.

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