SOUTH Gloucestershire has honoured its sporting heroes at an annual awards ceremony.

Olympians, paralympians, British champions, clubs, coaches and schools were thanked for their contributions at the Active South Gloucestershire 2013 Sports Awards during a ceremony in Filton.

The overall winner was footballer Siobhan Chamberlain, who plays for Bristol Academy Women’s Football Club (WFC) in the Women’s Super League.

Having received widespread praise as the only player in the Women’s Super League who has played every minute of every match since the league started in 2011, Siobhan, who has been a goalkeeper since the age of 12, was named sportsperson of the year.

An England international goalkeeper and played in England’s World Cup qualifier in September against Turkey, Siobhan said: “It was an honour to be nominated for this award, and to win it was just fantastic.

“It is great to see so many people getting recognition for their efforts, particularly those who are normally behind the scenes. I would like to thank everyone at Bristol Academy WFC, particularly the fans who are just brilliant.”

Young Sports Person of the Year was awarded to Tom Scammel, from Bradley Stoke, who represented GB British Cycling at the under 18 International Junior Competition in Ghent, Belgium. The 17-year-old was tenth place and the highest placed under 18 in the British Cycling Open National Track Championships.

Thomas was also a member of the team sprint that finished fourth overall in the British Cycling Open National Track Championships and came fourth in the British Cycling Junior National Track Championships 1000m time trial and first place in the match sprints and the Keirin. Along with all of these race achievements Thomas is also one of only two under 18s on the British Cycling’s Olympic Development Programme.

Cllr Ian Boulton, chairman of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “The Active South Gloucestershire 2013 Sports Awards ceremony was a really enjoyable occasion for all involved.

“There were many worthy recipients amongst the nominees who have achieved a great deal over the past year and their sporting achievements emphasise the large number of talented athletes and coaches that we have in South Gloucestershire.

“Congratulations to everyone who received a nomination, you are all winners.”

Among other winners were young Coach of the Year Rachel King, from Pilning, King Edmund Acrogymnastics Club in Yate which won club of the year and Keith Cameron, from Yate, was given the lifetime contribution award in recognition of the 34 years service he has given to Tytherington Rocks Football Club.