Community Champions awards recognise those making a difference through sport

20 May 2008

Derbyshire people who make a difference through sport were among the winners at the county's Community Champions awards.

The awards scheme, run by the Derby Evening Telegraph and BBC Radio Derby and supported by Derby City Council, Derby County Football Club and the Derbyshire Building Society, rewards people who go the extra mile to help their local community.

Among the winners was Steve Redfern, who won the Unsung Sporting Hero Award for his work as a coach with the City of Derby Swimming Club.

Emily Simpkins, a Football In The Community coach at Derby County Football Club, was also a winner, taking home the Great Work Abroad award.

Last year the 17-year-old (pictured) travelled to Africa as part of the FA's 'Changing Lives, Saving Lives' programme, and with the help of FA staff she and her fellow coaches guided a group of 27 teenage girls through an FA Junior Football Organisers course.

12-year-old Jimmy Winson, who coaches football to children aged five to eight as part of the Derwent Hat-Trick Project, was also recognised, and received the Children in the Community award.

And the Teacher of the Year Award went to Jenny Hilton for her work in teaching dance to a wide range of people.

The awards were among 12 handed out during a ceremony at Pride Park on May 18.

For more about all of the winners or to see photos visit www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk (opens in a new window) (opens in a new window)or www.bbc.co.uk/derby (opens in a new window)

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