ONE of Britain’s hottest shot put prospects has won the Eastleigh Sports Awards Young Sportsperson of the Year award.

Gregg School pupil Serena Vincent (Athletics) enjoyed a superb 2016.

She emerged as the ISA (Independent Schools’ Association) regional champion for shot and javelin and also broke the all-time under-15 ISA record in the shot.

Serena also broke the all-time Alder Valley League under-15 shot put record previously held by emerging GB heptathlete Morgan Lake.

In addition, she is the all-time under-15 Hampshire shot put record holder and has taken the Hampshire County, UK National Indoor and South of England Indoor shot crowns.

Her personal best put of 13.66, set in Oxford at the end of May 2016, put her top of the UK rankings.

The sseventh annual Eastleigh Sports Awards were held at the four-star hotel Hilton at the Ageas Bowl.

The evening was organised by Eastleigh’s Sport and Physical Activity Alliance (SPAA).

Lou Gittens, Chair of the Eastleigh SPAA, and ex-Saint Francis Benali, the Alliance’s Official Ambassador, officially opened the event, which was compered by former Hampshire cricketer and BBC Radio Solent presenter Kevan James.

Guests were also treated to inspirational talk from Paralympic double gold medalist in Boccia, David Smith MBE.

Gittens said: “It’s a fantastic event to celebrate such a wide range of sporting talent in the borough.

“We have so many talented sports people, together with so many superb volunteers, officials and coaches. Without them we would not be able to produce such fantastic stars in the borough.”

Other 2016 Eastleigh Sports Awards winners

Senior Sportsperson

Vicky Betts (Badminton)

Disability Sportsperson

Dave Smith MBE (Boccia)

Team of the Year

Southampton Mustangs (Baseball)

Coach of the Year

Dave Callaway (Athletics)

Official of the Year

Colin Miles (Football)

Club of the Year

Eastleigh Rugby Club Club

Volunteer of the Year

Shirley Smith (Rugby)

Service to Sport

Derik Brooks (Football)

Project of the year

Cycles4all Outstanding

Personal Achievement Award

Ethan Edgar, Jenny Warner, John Bloomfield and Kate Steels-Fryatt