CREWE was well represented on the winners' podium at a prestigious local sports awards run by leisure company Everybody Sport and Recreation.

Cheshire League side Crewe FC were crowned Club of the Year in a ceremony at Crewe Hall, while South Cheshire Youth League coach Grace Dodd won the Volunteer of the Year Award.

There was also a Lifetime Achievement award for the late Wilf Saunders who devoted his time to the South Cheshire Youth League and Crewe Lifestyle Centre regular Jim Painter won a Customer Hero award.

The Everybody Awards 2021 recognised the exceptional achievements of sporting and community heroes in Cheshire East over the past 18 months.

Over 190 guests enjoyed the presentation evening, which was hosted by Paralympic legend Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and the keynote speaker was Adventureman and motivational speaker Jamie McDonald.

The Mayor of Cheshire East Cllr Sarah Pochin and sponsors from the local business community presented the winners with their trophies.

Crewe FC beat off competition from a shortlist which included Run Middlewich, Nantwich Seals and Macclesfield Netball Club for Chairman Steve Parker to receive the club award.

The judges praised the Cumberland Arena-based club for their work with 39 teams across the ages and genders and cited its work with the wider community during the pandemic.

The club's coaching staff provided online keep-fit and gym sessions for free, set up a foodbank and established a free school meal vouchers scheme.

Grace Dodd's work with Cheshire Blades Football Club and the South Cheshire Youth League was cited in her volunteer award.

The judges said: "She dedicates her time to football, whether it's coaching her current teams, creating opportunities for players of all abilities to get involved in the sport, and is always looking at ways to make football more affordable and accessible to people.

"She fought for, and organised an extension to the season to keep kids active in the sport they love."

Wilf Saunders, who sadly passed away earlier this year, helped bring Lads and Dads football to Crewe in 1978 and the league grew to become the South Cheshire Youth League.

The judges said: "Wilf deserves massive recognition for the amazing and hard work he dedicated to the Youth League."

While Customer Hero Jim Painter's remarkable progress from starting to run and work out at the Crewe Lifestyle Centre gym 14 months ago to now taking part in ultramarathons was highlighted by the judges, who said: "He now has a passion for all things health and fitness and intends to build up his ultramarathon achievements."

The Sports Personality of the Year was won by obstacle course racer Matthew Rigby from Macclesfield. Crewe ultra runner Nicola Bruce was among the finalists.

Other winners were:

Young Sports Achiever: Sandbach snowboarder Mia Brookes.

Disabled Sports Achiever: Alsager Swimming Club's Poppy Maskill.

Coach of the Year: Sandbach Karate Club coach Peter Barker.

Health and Wellbeing: Space4Autism

Chairman's Award: Cycling fundraiser Matthew Townsend from Holmes Chapel.