COLCHESTER'S sporting stars, top coaches and tireless volunteers have been rewarded at a glittering awards ceremony.

The Sport Colchester Sports Personality of the Year awards, which recognise the achievements of the borough's amateur sportsmen and women, took place at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Monday night.

They were first made over 30 years ago and are now recognised as one of the best of their kind in Essex.

Boxer Lewis Richardson was crowned Male Sports Personality while the female prize went to swimmer Martha Duley.

The Under-18 Male Sports Personality was athlete Charlie Dobson and there were commendations for Ben Allison (cricket), Elliot Appleby (figure skating), Myles Ashforth (fencing), Daniel Lisney (gymnastics) and Daniel Nicholls (golf).

Athlete Rebecca Jeggo scooped the Under-18 Female Sports Personality prize with commendations going to swimming duo Elinor Duley and Olivia Norman, in addition to Hannah Watson (cross-country and athletics).

Graig Anya Joseph (athletics) was the Under-14 Male Sports Personality - Edward Appleby (figure skating), Alexander Brincklow (fencing) and Rory Myatt (fencing) received commendations - while the female prize went to swimmer Sophie Freeman (swimming).

Lucy Morgan (swimming and biathlon) was commended, as were Lily Patrick (trampolining), Olivia Simon (athletics), Jodie Taylor (cycling), Georgia Tombs (athletics, swimming and biathlon) and Gracie Tyte (equestrian).

As for the Team of the Year prizes, the Under-14 honours went to the Colchester County High School for Girls' years seven and eight swimming team and there were commendations in the Under-18 category for the Colchester Sixth Form's college football team and Lawford FC's under-18s.

In the Coach of the Year category, which recognises coaching assistance given to help individuals or teams achieve outstanding results, the winner was Crystelle Mills-Smith, from Hi-Tension Trampoline Club, and there was a commendation for Stephen Garnham (Colchester Harriers Athletics Club).

Hi-Tension Trampoline Club were Community Club of the Year.

The Bill Tucker and Eric Chapman awards are in memory of two people who gave up much of their time to develop sport in Colchester.

The Bill Tucker Awards recognise individuals who by their commitment, tenacity and dedication in the face of hardship or disadvantage or in difficult circumstances have proved an inspiration and role model to their peers and/or the public at large.

The Bill Tucker (Under-18) Awards went to Holly Bocking (swimming), Ethan-Beau Howes (multi-sports), Ellie Challis (Para-swimming), Sam Whearty (swimming), Darcy Monaghan (athletics), Joseph Sachs (badminton) and Helen Thompson (swimming), while the senior awards were shared by Ashley Hall (wheelchair rugby) and Daniel McGauley (powerlifting).

Tony Asplin (Colchester Rovers Cycling Club) went home with the Eric Chapman Award, which recognises outstanding service and commitment by an unpaid volunteer for the development of sport in Colchester.

In the development of PE and sport for young people by a school or college, the winner was Dedham Church of England Primary School.

Colchester County High School for Girls was commended, as was Heathlands Primary School.

The University of Essex Blades men’s basketball team were Team of the Year and there was a commendation for the Blades' volleyball team.

The awards are sponsored by the Daily Gazette, meetings, accommodation, events and travel management experts Inntel and the Duley Practice, the local partner practice of St James Place Wealth Management.