One of North West Hampshire's biggest sports clubs has been celebrating yet another successful season by recognising its top players.

The Youth Academy at Andover Rugby Club sees around 350 youngsters playing week in, week out - from the smallest under 6 team right up to the under 19 Colts side who are breaking through to the senior squad.

Certificates for the coaches' player, most improved member and players' player of the year were given out in each age group.

Dickie Staff is the Chairman of the Academy and says it's nice to round off the season like this: "People work hard throughout the whole year, and one part or other, you have to take stock and say well done, and that's what we've done today, we're celebrating success.

"We've seen such a fantastic attitude, lots of children having fun, keeping fit, having respect for one another and respect for themselves and that's key."

And for one of the young rugby stars, it's been a particularly successful year.

Academy player Alex Bradley has been learning his trade with the England under 16s, taking on teams from Wales, France and Italy in their age group equivalent of the Four Nations.

Alex says his background playing locally has really helped: "Andover's given me the chance to start my rugby and get really into it, the coaches have done really well, helped me a lot and given me the opportunities to get into the England squad.

"It's been really exciting, I'm hoping next year to get into the Under 18s squad, but I'll just have to see how it goes, and keep working on it."

Meanwhile, the future of the Youth Academy looks bright, after they've secured a major sponsorship.

Locally based company Simplyhealth will be its main partner next season, meaning the 350 young players can keep having coaching.

The employer chose the club following nominations from its staff, and this will be a record sixth year that they've got involved.

Simplyhealth normally restrict their sponsorships to a maximum of three years, but the overwhelming support for the Academy means they'll carry on supporting them.