THE great and the good of sport in West Dunbartonshire were recognised on Thursday at the West Dunbartonshire Community Sport Awards 2016.

Nominees, friends, family, sponsors and speakers were in attendance at Clydebank Town Hall to pay tribute to the sporting achievements of the area's coaches, athletes, volunteers and officials for their achievements throughout the year.

Renowned sports broadcaster Alison Walker hosted the night with entertainment coming from West College Scotland Dance Group and musician John McLarnon while Spartans FC coach Debbi McCulloch and Commonwealth and Olympic Juno medallist Sally Conway were interviewed about their experiences in sport on stage by Alison Walker.

Patrick McColgan from St Michael's Primary, School Sport winners said on collecting the award:

"It's not just vindication for us but looking at the other clubs and athletes nominated it's so clear that West Dunbartonshire is one of the forefront authorities in sports development.

"Every organisation that is represented at these awards do so much to try to advance sport in the area."

Alan Sudgen, accepting the Junior Sports Personality for his daughter, promising badminton player Rachel Sudgen, admitted it was just rewards for Rachel's dedication to her sport.

He said: "I'm very proud. She trains every day and she works very hard at what she does. She goes to the National Badminton Training Centre at Scotstoun straight from school, she catches up with her homework there before training for two or three hours."

Technical Official of the Year Linda Atkinson, who is an international synchronised swimming judge as well as a coach at Clydebank Amateur Swimming Club, admitted she was stunned when her name was read out.

She said: "Synchronised swimming is a minority sport, most people probably don't even know it happens in West Dunbartonshire and in Clydebank so it is nice for it to be recognised at this level.

"We are a small swimming club, the synchro section is an even smaller part of that and it has been going for nearly 50 years and it is the volunteers at the club who keep it going."

Young Volunteer of the Year Andrew Campbell, who delivers a wide range of sports in clubs and schools across the region, was keen to give credit to his fellow volunteers.

He said: "It's fantastic to be recognised for the hard work you do. I've won the award but there is hundreds of volunteers in West Dunbartonshire, without them underpinning the hard work that the paid coaching staff do the opportunites the kids have wouldn't be there.

"It's not down to me it is down to everyone, I've been recognised on behalf of everyone else tonight so that is fantastic."

Sports Personality of the Year Tam McCourt had the audience in stitches during his acceptance speech with tales of his various nicknames and pre and post-fight entertaining of crowds at his fights.

The Muay Thai fighter, ranked number one in Scotland and in the world's top 20, believes his sport should be recognised more.

He said: "I never thought as a Muay Thai fighter I would be picking up awards like this. The sport isn't recognised that much but it should be.

"An award like this is definitely a step towards that."

Maureen McGonigle from Scottish Women in Sport accepted on behalf of Volunteer of the Year Alan Harrison of Dumbarton United, insisted Alan was a worthy winner.

She said: "Funny enough I do know Alan because I used to work in Scottish Women's Football and that's where he started his coaching career.

"He was driven and very well organised, people forget that you need an administrator to make sure that you can get teams on the park.

"The club received a Scottish FA Quality Mark, which is not an easy thing to do. It's a thoroughly well deserved award."

Kath Ryall, Chair of West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust, added: "Everybody looks forward to the event. The important thing is it recognises what people in the community are doing, particularly on the volunteer side.

"There is a vast array of sports clubs in the area which are staffed by volunteers who provide a huge range of opportunities for sport for young people.

"The opportunities for young people to take part in sport are there and I would encourage young people to do that."