Ashby and the surrounding area has featured highly at the annual North West Leicestershire Sports and Health Awards

Exceptional and inspiring sports personalities have been recognised for their efforts and achievements.

The event, which returned virtually for a second year, celebrated the amazing successes of sportsmen, women, teams and clubs from across the district.

Taking place on Microsoft Teams with over 80 live viewers, the awards ceremony aimed to recognise sports people within North West Leicestershire following another challenging year.

Ashby Netball took the Club of the Year prize while the Ashby Castle Lawn Tennis Club 14 and under boys team won the Junior Team Award,

Moira Primary School was the winner of the School of the Year category.

And Matt Buckley was given an award for Outstanding Contribution.

Matt founded the Sands United Ashby Football Club which was set up for bereaved fathers who have lost a child.

You can read an interview with Matt from last year HERE.

The winners in the seven categories were:

• Junior team – Ashby Castle Lawn Tennis Club 14 and under boys team

• Disabled sportsperson – Eric Sheldon, Jason Wilock, Matthew Morley, Phillip Pope and Enrych Boccia

• Club of the year – Ashby Netball Club

• School of the year – Moira Primary School

• Junior activator – Josh Halliday, Riley Ward, and Bradley Heathcote

• Senior activator – Matthew Clarke

• Outstanding contribution – Matt Buckley

• Healthy Lifestyle – Sam Killip

• Sportsperson – Thomas Lane

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: "Many of our district's sportspeople have shown resilience by continuing to keep healthy and active during another tough year.

"The awards ceremony gave us an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and recognise those efforts of our North West Leicestershire sporting stars.

"It's not just about the outstanding athletes and teams we have but also about the volunteers and coaches that work tirelessly to deliver sport in our district.

"Everyone that was nominated for an award should be immensely proud of themselves, well done to all."