The awards, hosted by Lincolnshire Sports Partnership, were held at the Lincolnshire Showground's new Epic Centre.

Among the 260 guests were some of the county's top coaches, clubs, volunteers, and participants, with awards presented in 13 categories, ranging from Young Sportsman to Lifetime Achievement.

The category of Sporting Teacher 2008 was won by Joanne Wright of St George's College, Sleaford. Joanne fought off competition from fellow St George's colleague Patrick Stanley and St Francis School's Lesley Headley to win the award.

Joanne, who is vice chairman of the Lincolnshire Federation of Equality Sport, was the driving force behind St George's 'Girls in Sport' initiative.

Two special services to sport accolades were presented in memory of Mike Bundy (Athletics) and Peter Lancashire (Volleyball) who both had an outstanding lifelong commitment to sport.

Award winners were: Community Coach 2008 - Louise Key (Netball); Community Club 2008 - North Hykeham Girls RUFC; Sports Volunteer 2008 - Debbie Foote (South West Lincolnshire, School Sports Partnership); Sporting Teacher 2008 - Joanne Wright (St George's School, Sleaford); Young Sportsman 2008 - Ashton Turner (Golf); Young Sportswoman 2008 - Lizzie Simmonds (Swimming); Sportswoman 2008 - Emily Taylor (Rowing); Disabled Athlete 2008 - Rob Welbourn (Swimming); Young Disabled Athlete 2008 - Hollie Arnold (Athletics); Lifetime Achievement - Tony Perrin (Hockey); Special Achievement - Rachel Axcel (Ocean Sailing); Lincolnshire Sports Personality 2008 - Hollie Arnold (Cordeaux School, Louth).

Emma Burke of Lincolnshire Sports Partnership said: "The awards get bigger and better year on year. This year we received over 200 nominations from members of the public, and the panel had a near impossible task of short listing the nominees.

"The level of sporting talent in Lincolnshire is great, and each year the awards evening provides an excellent vehicle to celebrate the County's sporting success."