More than 200 people attended the event at Hunstanton Town Hall, held by Mr Bird as a thank you for support received during his mayoral year.

The new Hunstanton sports award was put forward by Mr Bird to encourage young sportsmen and women in the town.

Kevan Fleming of Legge's, High Street, Hunstanton, has donated a perpetual trophy for the event.

Winner of the title for the first time was footballer Joshua Hazell (9), of Old Hunstanton Road, Old Hunstanton, who signed for Norwich City at just eight years old.

He received the trophy, as well as another to keep, from Mr Fleming. Mr Bird presented him with a winner's cheque.

Runner-up was golfer Anton Neal (17), of Victoria Avenue, Hunstanton, who, at the age of 14, hit a hole- in-one at Old Hunstanton Golf Club. Anton, who plays for Norfolk, has won the Junior Open for East Anglia.

Third was Hunstanton boxer Luke Fields (13), of Waveney Road, Hunstanton, who has boxed eight bouts so far with good results.

Both Anton and Luke received an award to keep and cheques.

Mr Bird also received a cheque for £823.74 donated by the adult drama company after its pantomime Jekyll and Heidi was staged at the town hall last year.

The money, handed over by group secretary Ms Lisa Powell, will be donated to the mayor's appeal which this year is raising funds to transform the town hall basement into a new space for use by the town's youth.

Entertainment for the reception, also attended by Hunstanton Youth Council members, was provided by students from Smithdon High School, Hunstanton, violinist John Hornsby-Bates and pianist Ben Warnes. There were also refreshments.