Chipping Norton Rugby Club’s Andy Dawson was named coach of the year at the West Oxfordshire Sports annual awards night at Witney Lakes Resort.

A total of 21 individual awards were handed out to local athletes by Cllr Richard Langridge and Peter Bundey, the chair of the GLL Sports Foundation. Dawson (pictured), who is the club’s director of coaching, director of rugby, groundsman and mentor, said: “I am honoured to receive this award, though I am sure there are people more deserving than me.

“I really enjoy coaching enabling the next generation of rugby players to reach their potential, also helping the development of our future coaches.”

Club president David Lakin added: “Andy is humble and self-effacing, yet is an inspiration to all who receive his coaching. His selfless devotion is so important to our community in these difficult times.

“In so many ways, Andy and his family are the heart and soul of our club. “His 20 years of dedication to the club cannot be quantified. He is a gem.”

Carterton Gymnastics club were crowned sports club of the year.

The club provides coaching for all ages and has 100 children participating at all levels.

Last year they coached an elite squad to county and regional level and coached a veteran gymnast to national level, achieving second place in the GB veteran competition.

Carterton share facilities with the local community college, providing a model of sporting opportunities for the students and actively encourage students participating in GCSE, A level and Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.

Head coach, Debra Courtney Crane said: “This is a fantastic achievement for all the volunteers who give up so much of their time.” Norrie Aitkin, from Cass-ington Sports and Social Club, won the unsung hero award.

Aitken puts in many hours maintaining the playing fields, football pitch, cricket pitch and the area surrounding the clubs.

Club committee member Kate Rogers said: “Norrie is completely committed and utterly reliable and always works with a smile.”

OTHER WINNERS

County awards: J Flory (hockey & cricket), F Howells (hockey), E Kearney (hockey), Thomas Andrew, Luke Weston (both badminton).

Regional awards: C Tweedle (sailing), S Harman (karting), M Andrew Esnouf (swimming), A Flory (hockey & cricket), E Nutt (swimming), K May Leggett (dance), J Clark (figure skating), T Costley (cricket).

GLL Sports Foundation Achievement & Development awards: E Hubbert (Sports Aid priority award), G Barnicoat (Sports Aid priority award), M Bradley, F Ryley, T Haines, K Nutt, S McPeak, J Morris, C Goodfellow.