A SWIMMER dubbed 'Somerset's Tom Daley' was one of several winners and nominees from Taunton Deane to claim an array of accolades at the Somerset Sports Awards.

Taunton Deane Swimming Club's Charlie Attwood scooped the Young Sports Person of the Year prize while Castle School's Head of PE Barry Jones won the Contribution to School Sport award.

Charlie, 15, is ranked number one in 50m, 100m and 200m breast stroke both at county and regional level and has also beaten Olympic silver medallist Michael Jamieson at the British Gas International Open Meet in March.

He said: “I did not expect to win it but I will keep training hard because I want to get into the next Olympics and hope to be selected for the Youth Olympics in July.”

Alan Gloak, from TS5C, who support young athletes with fundraising so they can achieve their sporting dreams, said the youngster has a bright future ahead of him.

He added: “He could well be Somerset's Tom Daley, he has the looks and is a very talented swimmer.”

Barry, at Castle School, will retire this summer following 33 years of service and told the County Gazette: “It was nice to be recognised for something that you have put a lot of energy into.

“I never expected to win anything because you are up against good competition but I had hoped that having done more than 30 years I would have a chance.”

Others shortlisted for the event were Somerset College student Ellen Chilcott, Galmington Netball Club's Nigel Manley, Wellington Swords secretary Jane Browne, North Town Primary School's Mark Templeton, Castle School's Sue Bullock and Emily Northcott, South-West Fishing for Life coach Sally Pizii, Taunton Tornadoes coach James Watts and Beth Newton, who also swims for Taunton Deane.

The event, run by Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP), received around 70 nominations this year and took place at Somerset County Cricket Ground on Friday night.