After an unprecedented year of sporting success Dereham Northgate High School held their first sports awards night at the school to acknowledge the achievements of its pupils in the athletics world.

The event, sponsored by Lloyds TSB, was hosted by maths teacher Dan Bridge and featured special guest, local Paralympic shot-putter, Danny Nobbs.

Danny, who is hoping to medal in London 2012, presented the awards and delivered an inspiring speech about what is required to reach elite-level athletics.

Over 120 pupils were invited and attended the event after representing the school in various sports or volunteering their time to assist with clubs during and after school.

Awards were presented to pupils who were rated most valuable player in each sport, contribution to leadership across the school and in the community, and the teams of the year for each age group.

The overall team of the year was the Year 11 football team who were undefeated all season, winning the league, South Norfolk Cup and Norfolk Cup.

The most poignant moment of the night was the presentation of the Lewis Hendry Shield for Commitment to Northgate Sport. Lewis, a former Northgate pupil, was killed in action in Afghanistan earlier this year and his parents commissioned this award in honour of their son to recognise the achievement and commitment of pupils at Northgate.

Mr and Mrs Hendry were present and were pleased to present the award to Anthony Buckley for his contribution both academically and practically to the PE department.

The Sporting Achievement of the Year award went to Year 10 pupil Will Smith, who became a four-times world junior champion at the International Wheelchair & Amputee Sports Games in Dubai earlier this year.

The evening was concluded with a disco which was supported by school staff and the Friends of Northgate High School.