Sporting heroes were honoured when Southend Sports Council announced its annual awards.

The usual senior and junior sports personalities of the year titles were presented and a special team tribute was made to honour Southend High School for Boys' national cross-country success.

The seven-strong team took the English Schools under-13 cross country title and became the first boys school from the south east to win the event in its 16-year history.

Athletics coach Roger Smith received the award for the senior personality and 12-year-old gymnast Pascal Craymer took the junior honours.

Southend High School for Boys deputy headteacher Paul Hayman was delighted with his school's special award.

"It is recognition of the work the boys and the staff have put in over so many years," he said. "It is a credit to the staff and the boys."

The award was a surprise boost for South Essex Gym member Pascal, who is going to Lilleshall this week to train with top coaches at the national centre.

"The award was totally unexpected, but I feel very honoured," said the Essex champion, who received her honour for her dedication to gymnastics.

Southend Athletics Club coach Roger Smith has been working with track and field sportspeople for 16 years and was made senior coaching manager at the club last year.

The men's team was relegated two divisions in successive seasons, but Roger helped the club gain promotion from the third to the second division and is now hoping to get the team back in the top flight this year.

"I was completely shocked to win the award," he said.

"But now I feel extremely honoured, not just for myself but on behalf of Southend Athletics Club and in particular the men's team, without whose commitment and dedication I would not be receiving this trophy tonight."

Around 70 people came to the presentation ceremony in the mayor's parlour at Porters in Southchurch Road, Southend, which was also attended by the mayor, councillor Tony North.

Paul Hart, the chairman of Southend Sports Council, said the notable thing about the 1999 awards was the level of nominations received.

"There were around two dozen entries in each category, which is about tenfold up on previous years," he said.

He added that the eight-strong executive committee faced a difficult time choosing the winners, but said their ultimate decision was unanimous.

The trophies presented to the winners were made by cross-country runners John and Steve Bishop at their workshop in London Road, Southend.

Adam Hickey, a star member of the Southend High cross-country team, added to his list of successes on Saturday by winning the South of England U13 boys' championship from a 200-strong field at Parliament Hill Fields in London.

Top team - the Southend High School for Boys U13 English cross-country champions (l-r) Daniel Schade, Adam Hickey, Peter Smale, David Crichton, Matthew Gadd, Tinashe Sithole and Alan Temple with deputy headteacher Paul Hayman, their trophy and the Sportsmark Trophy the school received at the ceremony

Pictures: STEPHEN LLOYD

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