The prestigious Sport Pembrokeshire Awards 2016 took place on Friday evening, showcasing a wide range of sporting excellence across Pembrokeshire.

The glittering ceremony at Folly Farm - now in its 10th year - was attended by more than 600 guests, and hosted by sport journalist Bill Carne and Clr. Huw George, Pembrokeshire County Council cabinet member.

The awards were organised by Sport Pembrokeshire - Pembrokeshire County Council’s sport development team - which also sponsored the awards together with the Western Telegraph, Valero, Radio Pembrokeshire and Folly Farm.

Clr. Elwyn Morse, cabinet member for culture, sport and leisure, said the evening had once again been a triumph.

“The Sport Pembrokeshire Awards are a true celebration of sport in the county at every level - from the all-important grassroots to those who achieve international success,” he said.

The winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award 2016 was announced as Welsh rugby stalwart Geraint John, who was presented with his award by Geoff Williams, head of sport at BBC Wales.

Originally from Haverfordwest and a former pupil of Sir Thomas Picton School, Geraint has enjoyed a global rugby career and is a key member of the team shaping the future of Welsh rugby today.

As a youngster, he played for the county schools team and senior rugby for clubs including Llanelli, Cardiff and Bridgend.

He was the most capped ‘B’ international ever before going on to a coaching career with Llanelli, Cardiff Blues and the Welsh national side.

A former high performance manager of Canada, and Australian Sevens coach at The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Geraint was appointed to the executive board of the WRU in January as its head of rugby performance.

Geoff Williams said: “Geraint’s late father, Uri - a Whitland hooker - would have stood 10 foot tall this evening, and his mum, Perlys and the rest of his family are justifiably proud of him.

“Despite his achievements, he remains modesty personified.”

Two other key award-winners this year were Richard Parker and Dean Haines - who were presented with the Chairman’s Special Achievement Award 2016 by Clr. Tony Brinsden, chairman of the council.

Richard Parker from Milford Haven suffered two strokes and a brain hemorrhage, and as part of his rehabilitation he was referred to the Pembrokeshire Disabled Bowlers Club.

Since then, as a result of hard work and determination on Richard’s part, his mobility has improved immensely along with his ability to play bowls.

In fact, his bowls improved so much that he was part of a team which, in September, came away with the Cardiff Rotary Triples competition runners-up award.

Richard’s co-winner, Dean Haines from Kilgetty, was lacking in confidence when he started volunteering at the Pembrokeshire Hurricanes Wheelchair Basketball Club.

However, as time went on, his confidence grew and he developed a great rapport with the participants - so much so, that he was encouraged to apply for and gain his first job in the care sector. He still volunteers on a regular basis with the club.

A new category this year was the Club of the Year Award which was won by the Pembrokeshire Harriers.

The club was congratulated on a fantastic season which has seen them achieve junior, senior, team and individual success on the Welsh and UK stage.

They were presented with their award by Steve Davis, service manager of Pembrokeshire Youth.

The 10th anniversary of the awards were also marked by a special return of three former award-winners, cricket player Andrew Salter, footballer Angharad James and wheelchair basketball player Harry Thomas, who also specialises in sprint racing. The three sporting stars were interviewed by Bill Carne and congratulated on their numerous achievements over the years.

The complete list of award-winners and finalists are as follows:

Coach of the Year - winner Peter Crook (squash), finalists Nigel Delaney (football) and Rhys Thomas (triathlon).

Female Sporting Achievement - winner Jasmine Joyce (Rugby Sevens), finalists Alice Bevan (autograss) and Anita Madan (weightlifting).

Male Sporting Achievement - winner Mickey McDonagh (boxing), finalists Nick Dyer (squash) and Aaron Hosking (powerlifting).

Boys (U16) Sporting Achievement - winner James Tomlinson (athletics), finalists Gethin Davies (rugby) and Oliver Wheeler (hockey).

Girls (U16) Sporting Achievement - winner Lucy Davies (athletics), finalists Louisa Twigg (swimming) and Abbie Williams (triathlon).

Disability Sport Award - winner Jonathan Hubbard (bowls), finalists Sian Jones (boccia) and Raymond Lillycrop (bowls).

Junior (U16) Disability Sport Award - winner Lily Rice (swimming), finalists Leon Davies (gymnastics) and Antony Triebel (gymnastics).

Unsung Hero - winner Richard Scriven (rugby), finalists Shay Buckley (rugby, football, athletics) and Nick Evans (cricket).

Club Organiser of the Year - winner Jonny Sutton (football), finalists Yvette Bevan (gymnastics) and Ian Eynon (football).

Team Achievement of the Year - winner Goodwick United AFC, finalists Pembrokeshire Youth Rugby U19s and Sam and Daisy Coleman.

Junior (U16) Team Achievement of the Year - winner Clwb Rygbi Crymych U16s, finalists Greenhill School U14s Cricket Teamand Lamphey School Mixed Relay Swimming Team.

Junior Contribution to School Sport award - winner Ryan Foot (Ysgol Bro Gwaun), finalists Jamie Meek and Albert Ugwdike (Tasker Milward), Taku Padiwa (Greenhill School).

Contribution to School Sport award - winner Rachel Thomas (Ysgol Dewi Sant), finalists Matthew Harries (Fenton Primary School), Justin Head (weightlifting).

Club of the Year - winner Pembrokeshire Harriers, finalists Meads Squash Club and Strength Academy Wales (SAW).

Lifetime Achievement Award - winner Geraint John.

Chairman’s Special Achievement Award - winners Richard Parker and Dean Haines.