A night of stars marked the biggest and best celebration of Thanet Sports Awards to date at Margate Winter Gardens on Friday.

The fifth annual event was staged by Thanet District Council in partnership with the authority’s Sports Matters team, to promote and recognise all the work and efforts in sport achieved in the district.

Scores of local sporting stars attended the evening, hosted by radio presenter Johnny Lewis, who introduced the nomineess in 13 different categories, ranging from disabled sportsperson of the year to club of the year.

This year the event attracted mor nominations than ever and packed out the main hall at the Winter Gardens.

Paralympian Martine Wright was a VIP guest and speaker whose story and presence moved and inspired the audience without exception.

She was the worst injured survivor in the 7/7 bombings of 2005 in which she lost both her legs.

It was the start of a long painful journey for Martine who slowly learned to walk again on prosthetics and ultimately went on to play sport for Great Britain, captaining the Team GB sitting volleyball team in their first paralympic games in the London Paralympic Games 2012.

Martine said: “It’s an absolutely amazing celebration of people that give a contribution to sport. To me, it’s not about wearing this Team GB top – that’s not what sport is all about, it’s about keeping fit and about social change.”

Unsung hero award winner Sheila Archer collected her award, cheered on by her equally proud husband and son. She said: “This was certainly a surprise and an honour and I was truly proud of being shortlisted for the award of Unsung Hero.” “Another successful year of sport and another set of self-disciplined, confident and inspirational people were awarded with this prestigious award” said Cllr Iris Johnston, Thanet District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services.

“These awards showthe range of talent and enthusiasm that exists within Thanet, and I’m absolutely delighted for everyone involved. We were able to meet some of the top candidates in our community and the consistent standards in clubs and schools throughout the district.”

For a full report and pictures on the award winners and the night, see this week’s Thanet Extra.