Winners!

The prestigious Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sports Awards were held in March at Winchester's Theatre Royal - and Basingstoke emerged as the leading sporting place in Hampshire after scooping five awards.

The talented Basingstoke competitors recognised for outstanding achievements in their chosen sports were:

Scott Simmonds - kayaking - Junior Sportsman

Sue Williams - squash - Veteran Sportswoman

Jo Dixson - ten-pin bowling - Disability Sportswoman

Basingstoke and North Hants Cricket Club under- 13s - Junior Team

Basingstoke Gymnastic Club Teamgym squad - Senior Team.

Basingstoke's record number of accolades began to amass when 17-year-old Simmonds' name was announced as winner in the opening category.

The shocked teenager said: "I wasn't expecting this at all, but it's very nice to win. I'll have to push myself a lot harder now as I'll be moving up to senior level later this year when I'm 18."

Sue Williams was equally pleased to win. Her excellent year's form on the squash court led to her becoming over-40s world champion.

Alongside husband and coach Adrian, she said: "Being nominated for The Gazette Sports Awards and winning that was a surprise, but getting this trophy really tops off my year."

Blind ten-pin bowler Jo Dixson praised the Basingstoke Bowlplex for its backing of the Mind's Eye club for visually-impaired people in the town.

The indomitable Mrs Dixson added: "Their support of us means we are a very active club. We're not ready for the knacker's yard yet! Bowling gives us all such joy."

Basingstoke and North Hants CC under-13s coach Graeme Hughes put his team's success down to great camaraderie and team spirit.

He was joined by club colleagues Neil Merricks and John Munday, who went on stage to pick up the award.

Mr Hughes added: "It was a real team effort. Everyone made contributions throughout the season. We didn't rely on one or two players.

"An example of the spirit in the team was that one lad even got his mum to cut short a family holiday in France so he could get back to play an important game. That kind of commitment makes our jobs a lot easier."

Claire Williams, 25, of the Teamgym squad, said: "We're only a young team, having started in 2001, so to have made the progress we have and to be recognised like this is brilliant. We would all like to thank our coach Janet Allabush. Without her we wouldn't be here."

Delighted Basingstoke and Deane Borough Sports Council chairman Kevin Laing said: "It's been a great night for Basingstoke. Because we were the sports council with the most nominees - 15 in different categories - before the ceremony, we hoped that we would do well, and we have.

"All of the nominees and winners can be justly proud of their achievements."

As well as the winners, the other local sportsmen and women who were nominated at the county awards were Claire Spreadbury (Junior Sportswoman category); Robert Tobin (Senior Sportsman); Katy Watts (Senior Sportswoman); Ed Campbell (Male Coach); Janet Allabush (Female Coach); Trevor Shanks (Service to Sport); Emma Sleap (Junior Volunteer); Paul Hamilton (Senior Volunteer); Elliott Sumner (Official); Morris Dick (Veteran Sportsman).