Lynn firm Double G Clothing – suppliers of football kit to the Linnets' club shop – once again supported the event and held a raffle, donating £350 in prize money to be spent on their sports gear brochure.

Local sports people were nominated by readers in eight categories, and the nominations are decided upon by a panel of judges.

On the panel were Lynn News sports editor Peter Woodhouse; Kath Johnson, former Pelicans hockey player and Olympic medallist; borough sports development manager Roger Partridge; football coach Keith Rudd, who's had a long association with the Linnets; and chairman of the panel, Paul Tebay, the Lynn King Edward VII High School director of sport.

Winners and highly commended were awarded in each category.

The winners gained a silver salver to keep, a trophy and £50, the highly commended a certificate.

Sportsman of the Year was won by James Robinson, the West Norfolk Athletic Club member who represented his country in an international in Dublin. He was first local man home in the 2007 Great East Anglia Run.

Sportswoman of the Year was Chrissie Wellington, who won several triathlon and Ironman events in 2007, including the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.

Parents of Chrissie, who is training in the Philippines, Lin and Steve Wellington said: "We're very proud of her after turning professional just a year ago.

"Chrissie has won a couple of other awards, including the Daily Mail Ian Wooldridge Award for 2007.

"She's got her feet on the ground and is enjoying it."

Mike Grief, who took the Nick Bean Services to Sport accolade, said: "I'd like to thank the panel, the Lynn News, and whoever nominated me.

"A lot of people participate in angling, but it doesn't get the attention of other sports.

"I've fished four or five world champions, and always been on the river with them as an equal. You can't say that in any other sports."

Eric Dodds Rose Bowl – Courage in Sport winner Richard Girdlestone said: "I'm honoured to have won the award."

Sports editor Peter Woodhouse said: "I'd like to thank everyone who has helped to bring Wednesday night's event together and spared their time.

"Thanks to the local sporting public, our correspondents, and anyone else who has supported us during the past year.

"Over the following year, keep a nomination in mind – and please send it to us when the coupons come out again in November."

2007 awards
Roll of Honour

Sportsman of the Year
James Robinson (athletics)
Highly commended
Michael Hogan (rugby)
Sam Gaughran (football)

Sportswoman of the Year
Chrissie Wellington (triathlon)
Highly commended
Cath Duhig (athletics)
Claire Stock (gymnastics)

Betty Barton shield
– Sports Team
Lynn Golf Club (golf)
Highly commended
Lynn Stars (speedway)
Downham CC (cricket)

Young Sportsperson
Eli Frankham (boxing)
Highly commended
Shanice Burch (athletics)
Rebecca Daines (athletics)

Nick Bean Services to Sport
Mike Grief (angling)
Highly commended
Robert White/John Lewis (football)
Ken Rowe (football)

Sports editor's coaching award
Stewart Park (swimming)
Highly commended
Jim Moss (athletics)
Jess Ibrom (football)

Eric Dodds Rose Bowl –
Courage in Sport
Richard Girdlestone (boxing)
Highly commended
Mark Spinks (table tennis)

Sarah Breeze Support award
John & Pauline Marshall-Grint
Highly commended
Linda Beales