Rayleigh sporting heroes were recognised at a special ceremony night.

American footballer Matt Sharp was named adult sportsperson of the year with Freya Levy winning the disabled equivalent.

Chairman of the town’s council Jack Lawmon handed over the awards during the evening.

He said: “It was a pleasure and privilege to meet Freya and Matt and present their awards. “They are an inspiration to all of the young people in Rayleigh.”

Matt received his award after he represented Great Britain in American Football and played in the London Blitz American Football team.

Freya was one of just 12 athletes from around the world who were selected by four time Olympic gold medal winning runner, Michael Johnson, to attend the first of his UK elite performance centres.

Freya has also played basketball, women’s disabled ice hockey and rugby for Great Britain.

The pair were invited to The Pavilion, King George V Playing Field, Bull Lane, where they were presented with their awards.

More than 30 awards, certificates and prizes were awarded to people from across the town at an earlier ceremony.

At the first event at Sweyne Park School last month, Joan Crick was recognised for her work in the community, receiving the chairman’s award from former chairman, Carol Pavelin.

The citizen of the year award was presented to ElieMai Scrivens, who saved a neighbour’s life on her paper round when he was taken ill.

Speaking about all the residents who received their awards, Mr Lawmon said: “We receive numerous nominations for our awards and it is very difficult to chose the winners as all of them have achieved great things, often in very difficult circumstances.

“Our Annual Town Meeting is a celebration of all that is good about the people who live or work in Rayleigh and it is a great opportunity for the town council to highlight the good news about our town”.

Matt Sharp and Freya Levy had been unable to attend the original ceremony.

The inspirations to the community were delighted to receive the honours and are proud to have been recognised by the council.

The annual awards are a chance to recognise the best of people in the town.