SPORTING heroes and community champions from Ribble Valley were honoured by the council.

Clubs, coaches, rising stars and volunteers were recognised for their hard work and commitment at a ceremony hosted by Ribble Valley Borough Council's sports development team.

Coach of the year was Don Lennon from Ribble Valley Athletics Club; club of the year went to Clitheroe Cricket Club; swimmer Stephanie Slater was named as the year's rising star; and Michael Shields, of Ribble Valley Young Volunteer Programme, won the young volunteer of the year award.

Adult volunteer of the year was Steve Frost, of Wilpshire Wanderers; while the Marjorie Patridge special recognition award went to Keith Lord for 50 years service to Clitheroe FC.

The winners go forward to the Lancashire Sports Awards at Ewood Park, Blackburn, on Friday, October 5.