Littlehampton's annual Sports Awards took place on 7th October at the Littlehampton Academy. Joined by Olympian Tessa Sanderson CBE, who presented the trophies and commendations, the initiative, managed by Littlehampton Sports Forum and the Town Council, recognises the achievements and contributions made by local sportspeople and off-pitch community champions.

Sports including badminton, gymnastics, tri-golf and swimming were represented and the evening was hosted by Chair of the Sports Forum Cllr Billy Blanchard-Cooper.

And the winners are:

Sportsperson of the Year- Alex Bayley (Badminton player)

Young Sportsperson of the Year- Joe Sykes (Golfer)

Coach Contribution to Youth Sports of the Year- Carley Johnson (Cheerleading coach)

Sports Administrator of the Year- Darren Bazley (Cricket Club member)

Coach of the Year- Muriel Bordenave (Dance teacher)

Sports Team of the Year- Littlehampton Badminton Club

Youth Sports Team of the Year- Lyminster Tri-Golf Team

Contribution to Disabled Sport- Susan Cameron (Swimming teacher)

Unsung Hero- Steve Fastnedge (Croquet Club member)

Mayor's Lifetime Contribution to Sport in Littlehampton- Chris Staight (Littlehampton Cricket Club)

Speaking about receiving the Sportsperson of the Year Award, Alex Bayley said: I have always loved sports and it’s been a big part of my life and space week gave me the opportunity for me to try a vast range of sports and maybe find one I wanted to take further and fall in love with, and Badminton was that sport. I started playing at the Littlehampton Badminton and Squash Club (LBSC) when I was 11 and continued to play every week with my future coach Karen Chapman-Gain.”