TWO sporting stars have been honoured by community leaders.

Deeside College students Hannah Bird, 19, and Abbey Oliver, 18, both of Connah’s Quay, have been presented with awards by the town council at a special ceremony at the Civic Hall in Connah’s Quay.

Hannah, who is undertaking a skills for independent living animal care course, received an award for her numerous achievements in the horse ring.

She was diagnosed with Aperts syndrome when she was a child and has since undergone 30 operations to correct the facial and hand abnormalities which result from this.

Hannah has never let this hold her back and rides with specially adapted reins, often against able bodied riders, and has been a member of the Special Olympics Equestrian Team for the last two years, receiving countless medals and titles in national equestrian competitions.

Abbie has just completed a national diploma in sports science and received her award for achievements as a cross country and long distance track runner.

She has represented Wales in the Home Countries Cross Country meeting and has won a number of medals at national track events.

In September she will start her university education as a scholarship student at the Murray State University in Kentucky in the USA.

David Jones, Deeside College principal said: “I am extremely pleased to hear that both Hannah and Abbie have been recognised by their local town council for the many achievements they have both made within their personal lives.

“We aim to ensure all of our students fulfil their highest possible potential both in and out of the classroom while at college.”