Britain's number one female table tennis player took the top prize during a presentation dinner at Leamington town hall last Friday.

The 20-year-old, who lives in Lillington when she isn't competing abroad or training at the National Sports Centre in Lilleshall, Shropshire, continues to rise through the sport's ranks.

Most recently she led England to the Division One gold medal at the World Team Championships in China and also played superbly in Budapest to earn a reserve place for the women's singles at the Beijing Olympics.

She holds the first reserve spot and will travel to China with the GB team, although she is unlikely to be able to play.

Sibley is one of five funded players the ETTA believes can win for Britain at the 2012 London Games. She regularly trains at Lilleshall and plays professionally for a club in France.

Such a busy schedule meant she was unable to attend the Awards. Stepfather John Bolitho accepted the trophy on her behalf.

The 2008 Awards, staged by Warwick District Council with the Courier and Weekly News, celebrated sporting success at all levels.

Gymnast Danusia Francis, 13, was the Junior Female Player of the Year, with rugby forward Cory Bailey, nine, taking the boys' equivalent.

Leamington striker Josh Blake was named Senior Male Player of the Year and athlete Sue Harrison won the women's prize.

Jim and Joy Barry, founders of Leamington Hibernian FC, accepted the Club Volunteer/Unsung Hero prize.

Terry Cooper was named Coach/ Manager of the Year for his work with Round Oak Special School and the West Midlands ladies special needs football team.

Wheelchair basketball international Adam Crinage, who lives in Southam, took the Disabled Athlete of the Year title.
He was unable to attend the ceremony as he was undergoing treatment in hospital.

Khalsa Hockey Club was named Team of the Year after winning the Midlands One division without losing a match.

Coach Gurdial Randhawa picked up the trophy, with top scorer Micky Hayer in attendance too.

All entrants were nominated by Courier and Weekly News readers, with the shortlist and winners chosen by a panel of sports journalists and administrators.

Each shortlisted candidate was invited to the presentation, which included a three-course dinner in the town hall council chamber.

Commonwealth Games gold medal winner and former 5,000m world record holder Dave Moorcroft OBE was the special guest.

Other prizes were presented by Coun Judy Falp, district council chairman, and chief executive Chris Elliott.