SPORTS and arts performers were honoured for their outstanding achievement during an awards ceremony in West Oxfordshire.

On Friday, West Oxfordshire District Council held its 11th annual presentation evening, at Witney Lakes resort.

This year’s chairman’s award was given to Chipping Norton’s Lido.

The community-founded outdoor swimming pool, which first opened in 1970, was not only recognised for providing leisure opportunities to residents in the town and surrounding areas, but also for the innovation used in its water treatment plant, the use of a ground source heat pump and boring its own water hole.

Presenting the award on behalf of council chairman Roger Curry was vice-chairman Derek Cotterill. He said: “The winners of this award have shown real determination. They have made an improvement to the community they live in and are providing a facility that is enjoyed by many.”

Claire Jarvis, a trustee of the pool, said: “We have had a huge amount of support, not only from the community but on many other levels as well. There’s been an enormous contribution by our staff and the pool committee. This award is gratefully received on their behalf.”

The district council presented a further five awards.

The coach of the year went to Chris Hoyles from Witney’s Windrush Kick Boxing Club. Mr Hoyles, who has 29 years of experience in marital arts, was nominated for his commitment to his students. They described him as an “inspiration”.

He said: “I came here to support my students as I was so pleased for them to be receiving awards, and I was surprised when my name was read out as winner.”

Graham Kiff, from Witney, who is blind and was the first disabled athlete to represent Great Britain in the triathlon at the World Championships in Hamburg, in September 2007, was presented sports person of the year.

Last June, Mr Kiff gained silver at the British Disabled National Championships triathlon in Rotherham. A week later, he won the gold medal and title of Blind World Triathlon Champion in Canada.

The sports club of the year went to North Leigh Football Club. The club has several teams competing at all levels, ranging from boys under 12s and girls under 12s to men’s first team. Club chairman Peter King, who is in his 41st year with the club, said: “At times it can be hard work, but I am very proud of our achievements.”

Doris Simms, from Woodstock, was awarded arts person of the year, in recognition of her 20 years service as secretary of the Woodstock Art Group. She said: “This is an utter surprise.”

The arts group of the year award went to Carterton-based Acting Community Thingumybogs, which has been running since 1994. It contributes funds from its productions to charity.

Founder member Sue James said: “We have never received an award before, so this is fantastic.”

A further 29 sports and arts awards were awarded covering a range of activities.