DUNBAR sprint ace Maria Lyle was named East Lothian sportsperson of the year at the Celebrating Sport Awards last Friday evening.

The 16-year-old took the award after her magnificent performances at the Rio Paralympics, where she won a silver medal and two bronzes.

Lyle was unable to attend the ceremony at The Brunton in Musselburgh, but sent a video message to thank organisers for the award.

She said: “I’ve had a busy year and it has all been great experience.

“I’d like to thank East Lothian Council and Team East Lothian, and especially [athletics development officer] Jamie Bowie, who has given me all the advice and support I’ve needed.”

Mum Susan collected the award on her behalf, and was delighted with her daughter’s success.

“It is a shame that she couldn’t be here but it’s great that she’s got this award,” she said. “She doesn’t let anything go to her head, and it’s brilliant.”

Fellow Paralympian Stephen Clegg shared the sportsperson with a disability title with Jenny Gray, and there was a special presentation for the award.

Bill Axon, chief executive of enjoyleisure, took to the stage to invite Grace Warnock – the Prestonpans youngster who has Crohn’s Disease and designed ‘hidden disability’ signs, which are now displayed on public toilets across the country – to announce the winners.

Swimmer Clegg, who was on his way to Barcelona for a training camp, also sent a video message, saying he was “delighted to receive the award”.

Meanwhile, Gray’s mum Val said: “Jenny suffers from a learning difficulty which means she can’t read or write.

“We’re really proud of all our four children but Jenny has the most to overcome and we are very proud of her.”

Teenage golfer Joanne Free won young sportsperson of the year, and was given her trophy by former Scotland rugby star Tony Stanger, who also spoke to the audience about his career.

Ross High School pupil Rachel Shepherd won volunteer of the year (under-25), while the over-25 equivalent was won by Barry Craighead, a stalwart of the county’s athletics scene.

Shepherd said: “I feel like there are other people who deserve this more than I do – I don’t really do much”, while 78-year-old Craighead reflected on his five decades of involvement in athletics.

“The proudest moment was being the chief starter in the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh,” he said.

“Athletics officials are few and far between, so I hope I’ll still have a role to play in the next 5-10 years.”

The performance coach of the year prize went to Bruce Halloran, of East Lothian Swim Team, while Fidra Lions’ Gary Wright won development coach of the year. Wright said: “I get lots of enjoyment from it and it’s great to see it growing so fast.”

Halloran, like Clegg, was due to fly out to a training camp, but said in a video he was “honoured” to have won.

Youngsters from Haddington Table Tennis Club had entertained those gathered at the Musselburgh venue with a short demonstration at the beginning of the evening, and their club chairman Roger Thomas collected their award for emerging club of the year.

Phil Purves accepted two awards, as Tranent Colts were named established club of the year, before Tranent and District Community Sports Hub won the community sports hub award.

Paola Burrows, who runs JKA Karate in North Berwick, won the community coach of the year title.

She was “thrilled” to have won, and said: “I don’t know who nominated me, but it’s brilliant – we just do our job, it’s all about the students.”

East Lothian gents’ bowls team were named team of the year, and Stewart Johnstone was thrilled to collect the award, and paid tribute to a county bowls legend.

He said: “We’ve got a legend in Alex Marshall here tonight, but another legend is Willie Wood, who retired this year. He made his debut in 1956 but he wasn’t able to play in ‘57 when we won the Hamilton Trophy for the first time.

“He played this year, though, and I’ve no problem saying he is a bit of a hero of mine.”

All the nominees were congratulated by Mr Axon, and Ludovic Broun-Lindsay, Provost of East Lothian.