REPRESENTATIVES from Whitehill and Bordon’s Walking for Health group were commended at the East Hampshire Sports Awards.

More than 300 East Hampshire sportsmen and women, and the people who support them, made their way to the Old Thorns Manor Hotel, in Griggs Green, to be recognised at the ceremony.

The awards, organised by East Hampshire District Council, recognise sporting achievements and the commitment of the people who make success possible, like coaches, officials and volunteers.

The evening was presented by ITV Meridian’s Fred Dinenage MBE and the guest speaker was British Olympic medalist Roger Black MBE, who spoke about his career.

At the ceremony, on Thursday, February 11, Whitehill and Bordon Walking for Health members Jackie Bell and Carol Anne Dann were commemorated.

It was about four years ago that Ms Dann applied to go on a training course to become a qualified walk leader for Walking for Health. A walking group was started in the area and has 25 to 30 members.

The group meets at Whitehill Village Hall every Monday at 10.30am and walks finish with a bowl of soup at the Soup Cafe run by the ladies of St Matthew’s Church in Blackmoor.

The walks are run by trained volunteers and last about one hour and cover about three miles.

Walking for Health is supported by the district council and this year the leaders were encouraged to put forth nominees for two categories at the East Hampshire Sports Awards.

The group’s leaders decided that Ms Bell was a suitable candidate for the outstanding personal achievement nomination.

Ted Wood, a walk leader in the group, also decided to put forward Ms Dann for the senior volunteer of the year award.

Ms Bell gained the runner-up award and Ms Dann came third.

Born in Gosport, the Portsmouth Grammar School boy began demonstrating his prowess as a runner, scoring numerous goals for his local football team.

He became an athlete almost by accident, after failing to complete his exam papers to become a doctor.

He then joined Southampton athletics team, where he started training with his lifelong mentor and friend Kriss Akabusi. Five years after quitting Southampton University he was awarded an honorary degree.

District council leader Ferris Cowper was also on hand to launch the council’s new Elite Sports Fund.

From September this year, the fund will provide grants for promising athletes, of between £50 and £600, toward coaching, qualifications, clothing, equipment or travel.