WEST Ham central defender James Tomkins took time off from preparations for England under-19’s European Championship challenge to present the awards at his old school, Chavedon.

It was the inaugural sports awards night at the Chalvedon and Barstable Foundation Partnership school in Wickford Avenue, Pitsea.

After handing out the honours Tomkins said that it had been great to present so many awards to pupils and that he was very glad to have been a part of the event.

The outstanding contribution to PE award was awarded to Charlotte Tilby and Benjamin Worsall, both from year 11, in recognition of their five years of continued hard work, effort and achievement.

Since starting at Chalvedon in year seven Tilby has represented the school continuously in netball, cross-country, athletics and roun-ders. She has demonstrated an excellent sporting attitude at all times.

Individual awards for specific sports were awarded across the year groups.

Chloe Coombs, in year 11, took the individual prize for athletics. She has represented the school since year seven in javelin and in 2008 she tried the hammer for the first time. Coombs came away from the Basildon Sports as the new district champion and also set a new school record of 20.70 metres.

Year eight pupil Jay Bremner was awarded the age group basketball prize for consistently being the top points scorer and also the best assist player in the team throughout the season.

Sam Pashley, in year 10, received the football award. A new squad member, he displayed an excellent sporting attitude at all times and also improved greatly throughout the season.

The pupil of the year awards were given to those who have performed exceptionally well throughout the school year, shown a commitment to practices, and have an excellent sporting attitude.

Year nine female award went to to Catherine Wilson, who performed extremely well across many areas including netball, basketball and athletics.

Lewis Scott received the year eight boy pupil of the year. He has made a big contribution to a range of sports including basketball, rugby, athletics and football, playing in the year nine group for the county football semi-final.

During the Essex Schools athletics, Scott was placed in the top five hurdlers. He was also part of the athletics team that competed at the English Schools national final.