THE brightest and best in Wrexham’s sporting community have been honoured at the County Borough Sports Awards.

More than 300 players, coaches, volunteers and dignitaries attended the glitzy ceremony, which took place at Brymbo Sports and Social Complex.

The event, hosted by George Lacy, Wrexham Council’s arts and entertainment officer, is now in its seventh year and was set up to recognise those who have displayed extraordinary athletic achievement or made an outstanding contribution to sport.

One of the lucky winners on the night was Mary Bainbridge, who was awarded the Arnold Griffiths service to sport award for committing 30 years to coaching swimmers and a variety of sport management positions.

She said: “It is a great occasion to see so many sporting faces together to collectively promote sport in Wrexham.

“It is important we keep encouraging and bringing new talent through.”

Youngster Sion Roberts was crowned junior sports personality of the year after he became Welsh champion in the under-13s 100m and 200m in  Cardiff in June.

Luke Nixon was named disability sports personality of the year. He swam for Great Britain at the European Deaf Swimming Championships and won a bronze medal in the relay.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Wrexham, Cllr Jim Kelly and his wife Elizabeth, Richard Dando the lead officer for Young Ambassadors Wales, and Wrexham-born Huw Jones, chief executive for Sport Wales, took to the stage to hand out the coveted awards on Friday.

Guests were treated to live entertainment from the Abbey Road acro-gymnastics squad, winners of club of the year, and Wrexham Young Sports Ambassadors, followed by a hula hoop display from Hula Nation.

Alan Watkin, chief leisure, library and culture officer, said: “The event has received enthusiastic support from the local sporting community of Wrexham as well as great assistance from a wide range of sponsors.

“We look forward to building on the success of the event in the future and to celebrating county winners who go on to gain future recognition at a regional and national level.”

A raffle and auction were also held on the night and raised more than £300 for Children in Need and the Mayor’s Charity.

Cllr Bob Dutton, OBE, deputy leader of the council and lead member for communities and performance, added: “The strength of this year’s categories alone reflects the hard work and determination from all to put Wrexham on the sporting excellence map.”