THE county's unsung sporting heroes have been recognised with awards from the High Sheriff of Kent.

One of Tony Monteuuis's themes during his term of office has been support for sport in the community, and particularly for those who give their time voluntarily.

Throughout the summer, he visited numerous clubs across Kent and met with coaches in a variety of sports.

Now it has resulted in him presenting 14 framed certificates to coaches and club organisers at an awards night hosted by Shepherd Neame at its Faversham brewery.

He also gave special awards to Kent Messenger Group chairman Edwin Boorman and the chairman of Shepherd Neame Bobby Neame for their "outstanding contribution" to life in Kent.

In his praise for Mr Boorman and Mr Neame, the High Sheriff said: "Their generosity places them in the very front row of those who make fantastic contributions to Kent.

"As I have travelled around the county to countless events, the sponsorship of the Kent Messenger Group and Shepherd Neame is so often in evidence.

"These two great men of Kent do so much behind the scenes to ensure that its people thrive and I am delighted to pay my own tribute to the wonderful things that they and their marvellous companies do for the good of us all."

Mr Monteuuis said: "I have watched literally thousands of the county's young players playing and being coached in sport this year.

"The benefit derived by the young sportsmen and women of Kent from what these coaches do is huge.

"In addition to teaching the values of good sportsmanship and teamwork, the contribution these coaches make comes in the form of increased fitness, and giving the young something better to do than hanging around on street corners.

"It encourages them to think of others, have active lifestyles, avoid drugs and, of course, have the fun that which comes from companionship and competition which are inherent parts of sport."

Among the other award winners were:

Athletics

Mike Beech, Medway and Maidstone AC; Jonathan Welbon and Mike Rowbottom, Tonbridge AC; Ian Dibbens, and Andy Frankish, Blackheath and Bromley AC.

Cricket

Claude Heath and Tony Johnson, Macknade Sports Club, Faversham; Ian Plant, Old Stacians CC, Ashford; Steve Merwood and Richard Parsons, Mote Cricket Club, Maidstone; James Medhurst, St Lawrence Highland Court Cricket Club; Alan Bensted, Street End Cricket Club, Canterbury.

Football

John Hardinges, Real 60 FC, Lordswood; Reg and Liz Spicer, Tonbridge Junior Football Club

Gymnastics

Team award: Meapa Gymnastics Club coaching team