TALENTED sporting stars including two from Chipping Norton have been honoured at the West Oxfordshire Sports Awards 2014.

From county to world class level, 28 high-performing sportspeople from across the district received awards at a ceremony held at Witney Lakes Resort yesterday (Monday).

Among them were roller hockey players Jake Williams, aged 12, Devon Shadbolt, 11, and Brett Massey, 11, who all won Achievement awards.

All three play together and are now focussing on the 2014 World Championships in Las Vegas after competing at the 2013 British Inline Hockey Championships and achieving third place.

The awards are organised annually by West Oxfordshire District Council in conjunction with the GLL Sports Foundation to recognise the wealth of local talent and support budding sports stars.

Councillor Richard Langridge, Cabinet Member responsible for leisure, said: “These awards cover a vast range of sports and it is an absolute privilege to honour the passion, dedication and commitment of these local sportspeople, who set an outstanding example for us all.

“They are flying the flag for West Oxfordshire locally, nationally and, in some cases, worldwide and our Council is very proud to support them as they develop their careers and achieve their goals.”

Peter Bundey, Chair of the GLL Sport Foundation, added: “These are super talented people trying to get themselves up the rankings and we are extremely pleased to support them."

Funding of between £100 and £1,000 was awarded to each winner to help with costs associated with their sport and each will receive free training membership at council-owned leisure facilities in West Oxfordshire.

A new scheme was also launched at the ceremony to recognise and improve inclusiveness at sports and arts clubs in the district.

Under the scheme, clubs will be awarded an ‘Inclusion Symbol’ if they meet certain criteria to ensure they are inclusive and welcoming to disabled people.