It was standing room only at Greetham Valley Golf Club last Wednesday evening when sports coordinators from Rutland schools hosted their sixth presentation evening.

The event kicked off with impressive dance performances from students at the county's three secondary schools before a whirlwind tour of an exciting year in sport.

Rutland School Sports Partnership manager Chris Thomas hosted the event where he handed out 17 awards to deserving young athletes. Nine teachers and coaches were also chosen to receive Unsung Hero awards following nominations from the schools they work with.

Chris, who has managed Rutland's school sports programme for six years, said: "All the children who were nominated are a shining example of what has being going on in our schools as part of the sports partnership and it's amazing to see the standards they have achieved."

His team includes sports co-ordinators James Logan at Uppingham Community College, Alison Chambers at Vale of Catmose College in Oakham and Carola Ewald at Casterton Business and Enterprise College plus link teachers at the county's primary schools.

Young ambassadors Amy Longhurst, Joe Stafford, Emily Evison and Charles Baker helped to hand out the awards.

The event was sponsored by Rutland County Council and chairman Peter Ind and chief executive Helen Briggs were in the crowd.

Mrs Briggs said: "It was a marvellous evening and great not only to see so many children already achieving successes but also so much potential for the future."

See this week's Rutland Times for a four-page picture special on the awards.