Sports personality winner gets surprise

3:07pm Saturday 14th June 2008

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A CHAMPION junior rower was surprised and delighted to discover that she was to receive an award from a sporting hero.

Sir Steve Redgrave presented Marlow "Sports Personality of the year 2007" to Great Marlow school pupil, Anna Humphrey, at the Marlow Town Mayor's annual reception.

Hundreds of guests had assembled for the reception which was part of the Town Regatta event in Higginson Park.

Miss Humphrey, 16, won gold medals in the 2007 National and British indoor championships.

She said she had no idea who would present the award: " It's fantastic. I found out about three weeks ago but didn't even know I had been nominated.

"As I came in to the reception I was told I was going to get a surprise - and that was it - I'm in awe of him."

The rowing enthusiast, who helps coach younger children in schools, hopes to win this year's national championship and further down the line, make it on to the Great Britain team.

A community award was given to Graeme Paskins, a cults coach at Marlow Cricket Club, for his work in developing young talent.

He said: " I'm really honoured to be recognised by the town, it's wonderful. I do it because I love cricket and it's brilliant to see what we have achieved."

MP Paul Goodman, one of the speakers proposed a toast to the people of Marlow.

He said: "I think it's worth reflecting on the award winners and I think they were a demonstration of all the civic, social, charitable work that goes on in Marlow."