Hellesdon resident scoops award

Local triathlete Sophie Alden was recognised at the first ever Broadland Community at Heart Awards run by Broadland District Council.

The awards were presented at a ceremony at The Space in Sprowston on October 14, attended by more than 130 guests and featuring Broadland Youth Choir.

Winners were chosen for 10 categories from people nominated by members of the public. They were presented with a trophy, a hamper of local products and vouchers of their choice.

Opening the ceremony was council chairman, Ken Leggett. He said: “I hope all of you will feel proud of your achievements. Whether you have been nominated for helping those less fortunate than yourselves, for reaching an ambitious goal, or for improving the environment for all of us in the future, what you have done will inspire others. Thank you for the contribution all of you have made to our Broadland communities.”

2015 British Junior Triathlon Champion Sophie took the award for Sporting Achievement. Sophie took part in her first triathlon aged eight and recently competed in an under 20s festival organised by British Triathlon as a qualifier for world championships in Chicago.

L-R, Rob Chandler, Sporting Achievement of the Year Award winner, Sophie Alden and Cllr John Ward