A PAIR of young Basingstoke sports stars were winners of Hampshire Schools’ Sports Federation’s annual Michael Austin Harlick award.

The award, in it’s 23rd year, recognises consistent and outstanding achievement in school sports activities throughout the academic year, with nominations received from associations affiliated to the Hampshire Schools’ Sports Federation.

Athlete Kierra Barker and disabled sports star Charlie Marsh travelled down to the Guildhall, in Winchester, to receive the award at a special ceremony.

Bishop Challoner School pupil Barker has enjoyed an outstanding year, winning a raft of national titles and making her England debut, while Marsh, who attends Basingstoke College of Technology, has also enjoyed plenty of success in 2012.

In addition, the Dove House School cricket team were nominated for The Presidents’ Trophy, awarded for the outstanding team performance.

The ceremony was attended by eight Hampshire Olympians, including Old Basing athlete Rob Tobin, and Basingstoke MP Maria Miller, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

Miller said: “I was very pleased to be at the ceremony to recognise the achievements of Hampshire’s talented young sports stars.

“The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games produced a huge number of outstanding and inspirational performances and we are determined to build on those to leave a lasting sports legacy.”