DAVE Watton’s years of dedication to sport were rewarded with the Service to Sport award.

A former PE teacher at Cranbourne School and still 76-years-young he had coached hockey for 25 years in schools and at the Basingstoke club. He has also been president of the club for the past 15 years.

Watton said: “I am surprised to win as I have been nominated before, so it is nice to win against people who have given a lot to their own sports. I retired from teaching 17 years ago and just love coaching and it is great to see the club growing and we looking to a second pitch.”

St Mary’s Church of England School in Old Basing was a double winner as they won the Junior Team and the Primary Sporting School.

Head teacher Caroline Welch said: “This is for everyone at the school, who put in so much hard work which means everyone can enjoy sport. We have done really well over the past year winning in a number of different sports.”

Dove House School Academy were winners of the Secondary Sporting School.

The school offers 27 sports ranging from tchoukball to trampolining and they are particularly successful at swimming.

Rebecca Wilson said: “I am really thrilled we have won this and it is great to be recognised for what we do.”

Russell Amos is the driving force behind girls rugby at Basingstoke RFC and this saw him win the Volunteer Coach award. He has been a rugby coach for 18 years and girls rugby flourished since he took over. Amos said: “I just love coaching and it is my way of giving back something to the community. I must say the girls listen to what you say unlike the boys.

“In the last four years we have built up the section, but we are always open come along and try the game.”

Ruth Crawford won the Senior Volunteer award.

She has championed the Breeze Cycle Network across Hampshire encouraging over 1,000 women to take part in 238 organised rides. Crawford is also a key member of the Basingstoke Hockey Festival.

The 19-year-old Queen Mary’s College Student Anil Patel won the Junior Volunteer award and is the driving force behind indoor 24 cricket. He said: “I can’t believe I won this award as I really enjoy organising cricket events.”

Senior official winner Dean Crossley is a rugby union referee and one of the most active in Hampshire. He is now a level 10 referee advancing five levels in one season.