EAST Norfolk Sixth Form College is BBC East's Sports School of the Year for 2009.The sporting achievements of men and women from across the east of England were celebrated at the BBC East Awards night held at Tattersalls in Newmarket.

EAST Norfolk Sixth Form College is BBC East's Sports School of the Year for 2009.

The sporting achievements of men and women from across the east of England were celebrated at the BBC East Awards night held at Tattersalls in Newmarket. The event recognises the amazing efforts of the region's biggest stars and its unsung heroes and was hosted by Look East presenter Stewart White.

The award for the region's top sports school or college was presented by Olympic gymnast Lewis Smith to the college's head of PE, Steve Mooney, and the further education sports co-ordinator, Lyn Winkworth.

The supporting statement read: “The college offers a wide range of very successful PE courses leading to academic qualifications and national coaching awards; it plays a full part in encouraging engagement in fitness and volunteering activities; and it is the leader in the east of England for competitive sport, all underpinned by a dedicated body of staff.”

The college principal, Laurie Poulson, added: “We are very pleased to receive this trophy in recognition of all the hard work put in by so many staff and students, both in the classroom and in competitive sport.

“Young people gain so much from being encouraged to engage in fitness activities and to push themselves to achieve things they never thought to be possible. The benefits to

them will reach far beyond their time in college.”