COMMUNITY champions were recognised at the Believe Sports Awards 2024.

The event took place on October 5 at The Edge, Wigan, celebrating sport and physical activity.

More than 300 guests attended the ceremony, eager to see this year's winners collect their trophies.

Two-time Paralympic gold medallist and children's author, Danielle Brown MBE, presented the awards.

The event was organised by the council's Be Well leisure and wellbeing service, and sponsored by JJH Building Contractors Ltd.

Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods at Wigan Council, said: "It's been another amazing year for Wigan Borough, from our golden girl Keely Hodgkinson starring at the Olympics and the Warriors winning the World Club Challenge and lifting the cup at Wembley, to all the wonderful sport and physical activity happening across our communities.

"Sport plays a massive role in so many of our lives, and the Believe Sports Awards is all about recognising the incredible talent on our doorstep and rewarding all those people who put in so much time and effort to help others chase their dreams and reach their potential."

The winners included Skyla Baybutt, who suffered a stroke in 2021, and was in hospital for eight months.

She learned to walk and talk again through physiotherapy, and has returned to competitive swimming.

Her determination earned her the Overcoming Adversity Through Sport Award.

Skyla Baybutt won the Overcoming Adversity Through Sport Award (Image: Supplied) The Changing Lifestyle Recognition Award went to Laci Tomlinson, who has become a Health Ambassador for Be Well's Let's Get Movin' family fitness initiative, despite having only one lung.

Laci Tomlinson won the Changing Lifestyle Recognition Award (Image: Supplied) The Volunteer of the Year title was awarded to Ian Bramhall of Astley and Tyldesley Football Club.

Ian Bramhall won Volunteer of the Year (Image: Supplied) Meanwhile, Golborne Cricket Club's Graham Marston won the Wilf Brogan Unsung Hero Award.

Graham Marston won the Wilf Brogan Unsung Hero Award (Image: Supplied) Tim Hilton, director of JJH Building Contractors Ltd, said: "We're really proud to support the Believe Sports Awards.

"There's so much fantastic talent in Wigan Borough and so many incredible people who do so much for our community - and it's only right that we celebrate them and give them the recognition they deserve."

The Believe Sports Awards is an annual event that celebrates sporting talent and dedication in Wigan Borough.

A prize raffle at the event raised just over £1,000 for Wigan & Leigh Hospice and TalkFIRST.