A group dedicated to helping young people has passed a major milestone. Loders Young Players celebrated its 10^th anniversary at its annual awards ceremony in the village hall.

Devised in 2001 by villager and retired Royal Navy captain John Hughes, LYP’s success has been built on the enthusiasm and commitment of a volunteer committee and the expertise of professional coaches employed across a range of activities. Intended to encourage participation and excellence in sport and the arts, LYP has seen members go on the represent district, county and country in tennis, real tennis, cricket and athletics. It continues to flourish, with 66 members taking part in these activities as well as archery and swimming. It has also given support to solo and choral singers.

Current members and their parents were joined at the awards presentation by coaches past and present, and by representatives of organisations that have provided financial and practical support over the years. These included Loders Youth Club, Loders Junior School, Bridport Tennis Club, The Hyde Real Tennis Club, Powerstock Junior Cricket Club, Loders Parish Council and Loders Parochial Church Council.

After a welcome and introduction by chairman David Lee, former LYP members  Levi Gale, 15, and Harrison Yarnold, 13, briefly outlined their achievements in being selected at national level in, respectively, real tennis and biathlon and biathle. They then assisted with the presentation of awards to current members.

Tennis: winner – Sam Farrow, runner-up; Marcus Burt

Real tennis: winner  – Marcus Burt, runner-up; Conor Tett

Archery: winner – Olivia Willmore, runner-up; Sophie Cole

Kwik cricket: winner – Harry Powls, runner-up; Sam Arnold

The Captain John Hughes Special Achievement Award, was presented by Mrs Pat Hughes to Eva Bowring in recognition of her commitment and outstanding all-round achievement in LYPs archery/kwik cricket and Powerstock Jnr CC player U11 & U13s team, athletics, cross country, tag rugby and net ball for her school.

The vicar of Loders, Jan Delaney on behalf of the PCC Fete Committee presented cheques from the proceeds of this year’s Loders Fete to Loders Young Players, Loders School, Loders Youth Club, Loders Parish Council and Bridport U-13 football team.        

Lesley Lee