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Participants, coaches and invited guests were at Clwyd Theatr Cymru on Friday evening for the ceremony, presented by Flintshire Sports Council chairman Tom Middlehurst.

After a buffet, followed by an address from Alan Williams, director of Plas Menai Water Sports Centre, the serious business of handing out the awards, sponsored by Airbus, began.

The winners and nominees in all nine categories had shown dedication and ability throughout the year, and come from across the age spectrum.

First up was tennis star Matthew James, who took home the junior sportsman of the year crown. Matthew, 17 and from Mold, is a rising star on the court, and is focusing on selection for the Commonwealth Youth Games, and on improving on his showing at Junior Wimbledon, where last year he reached the second round.

He said: "It's brilliant that I've won the award, I've never been involved in anything like this before."

Junior sportswoman Emma Wakley is Tae Kwon-Do world champion, and the Hawarden High School pupil said: "I am very pleased to get the award. I have been involved since the age of five, and I would like to pay tribute to my instructor. He has coached me throughout that time and has been brilliant."

Athlete Andrew Williams, from Mold, has his sights set on the Paralympics in Beijing, and said he was pleased to see his ability, not disability, being made to count.

He said: "This year is my fourteenth year involved. I will be stepping up my training ahead of the Paralympics, and winning this year's award has given me a very good boost."

Senior sportswoman Nicola Dolby said she was pleased and surprised at her award.

She said: "I've been playing for over 20 years and got into it because of my mum and dad. I'm really pleased and honoured to get the award."

The youngest winners this year came from Buckley's Elfed High School gymnastics team, who took the junior team of the year title.

The youngsters said they were planning to carry on to even bigger and better things.

The Evening Leader sponsored the senior team of the year award, which was scooped by the Welsh Mixed Curling Team, who train at Deeside. Skip Adrian Meikle said: "It is a dream come true for all of us."

Coaching plays a huge part in the development of our sporting talent, and boxing coach Shane Thomas of Flint was recognised for years of dedication to working with youngsters, and helping create 16 champions down the years.

He said: "I am made up with it, and I will be there for the rest of my life doing this."

Gymnastics has been a source of pleasure for Joe Estebanez for decades, since he got involved when his children were taking part.

Joe has given up direct involvement because of concerns over gymnasts' safety, but says he will always maintain his interest in the sport.

He said: "I am very surprised and emotional.

Slideshow

>> To see a slideshow of pictures from the event CLICK HERE