THE best sporting talent in Castle Point & Rochford was recognised in a night of glitz and glamour.

The top prize in Castle Point, the Sports Personality of the Year award, went to mixed martial artist Paige Cerson.

In Rochford, Lucy Hodges MBE won the prize, for her services to Blind Sailing.

Cerson – British, European and World Champion – enjoyed a tremendous 2014, winning gold in the Montpellier French Open Championships.

Echo:

CASTLE POINT SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Paige Cerson

Echo:

ROCHFORD SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Lucy Hodges MBE

“Getting an award like this means a lot because it recognises my hard work and achievements,” she said.

“I am hoping one day to be a stunt woman and work on films – that’s my goal.”

Hodges took the world champions title this year, and said: “Although I’ve got a disability, hopefully it encourages those without a disability as well.”

150 people attended, including Basildon’s Olympic medalist Max Whitlock, and he watched the Castle Point Young Sports Personality of the Year award go to karate expert James Eade – the 12-month unbeaten English, British and Irish Champion who represents Deanes School at athletics, basketball, rugby and cricket.

In Rochford, athlete Robert Runciman took the young sports personality prize – after he won national and regional gold medals this year.

Sprinter and cyclist Matt Hamilton won the Castle Point Disability Sports Personality of the Year award, after a successful year in which he represented Great Britain at the IWAS World Junior Games.

Matthew Oaten took the honour in Rochford, for his work in deaf swimming.

The other winners in Castle Point were Clive Hopkins, who won the Services to Sport award 25 years after he founded Benfleet Running Club.

Archer Lauren Bann won the mayor’s award, after she was superb in winning the Essex Indoor Championship and Southern Counties Championships in the under-18 age category.

In Rochford, Mike Worship won the Services to Sport prize – for his involvement in badminton at FitzWimarc Badminton Club.

Matthew Lee won the chairman’s award for his work in the community.

Heart and Soul Cardiac Rehabilitation won the Castle Point 2012 Respect Award and Dave Record won the Rochford award – for their folk dancing contribution.

The Sports Club of the Year went to Special Olympics Essex – which helps those with learning difficulties take part in sport while Rankins Cricket Club took the Rochford award after a successful 2014 that saw the people of Stambridge engage with the sport.

Echo:

ROCHFORD COUNCIL’S CHAIRMAN AWARD: Matthew Lee

Echo:

CASTLE POINT DISABLED SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Matthew Hamilton

Echo:

CASTLE POINT MAYOR’S AWARD: Lauren Bann

Echo:

ROCHFORD RESPECT AWARD: Dave Record

Echo:

CASTLE POINT YOUNG SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: James Eade

Echo:

CASTLE POINT RESPECT AWARD-HEART & SOUL CARDIAC REHABILITATION: Lita Freegard

Echo:

CASTLE POINT SERVICES TO SPORT: Clive Hopkins

Echo:

ROCHFORD YOUNG SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Robert Runciman

Echo:

ROCHFORD DISABILITY SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Matthew Oaten

Echo:

CASTLE POINT SPORTS CLUB OF THE YEAR: Special Olympics Essex

Echo:

ROCHFORD SERVICES TO SPORT: Mike Worship

Echo:

ROCHFORD SPORTS CLUB OF THE YEAR: Rankins Cricket Club