THERE was a mood of celebration at Priestley College as they honoured their sporting stars at their annual Sports Awards.

During the ceremony, honours were handed out to students competing in sports as varied as golf, taekwondo, basketball and swimming.

The big winners of the night were swimmer and former Great Sankey High student Aaron Hill and footballer Abbey Hickey, who were named as the college’s Sports Personalities of the Year.

It was the swimmers who were named Priestley’s Team of the Year after they represented half the North West team in the AoC National Finals in Newcastle and brought home gold medals.

Another successful Priestley team was its rugby league players, who ended a successful season with silverware.

Sports tutor Paul Hopper praised the team as they won the North West One League.

He said: “They were an extremely cohesive team, which led to some great results on the pitch.”

Emily Grundy was also named Community Coach of the Year after refereeing at tournaments as well as attended courses to improve her experience and qualifications.

Principal Matthew Grant thanked the young sportsmen and sportswomen for their efforts on pitches, pools, courts, tracks and fields in the UK and abroad.

“You represent the excellence that is within Priestley,” he said in his speech.

“Sport is something that helps you build personal resilience because there are always winners and losers.

“The best winners also know how to lose gracefully.”

“Thank you for representing us as a college in Warrington, the county, nationally and internationally so well.”

Head of Sport Nigel Howells also gave a speech and said: “It was important to recognise the students for their sporting achievements, but also their considerable academic achievements.”