Swimmer Cieran Kelly has been named the Reading Sports Personality of the Year 2018/19.

The Reading Cygnets ace, who won gold at the recent Special World Games in Dubai, was rewarded with the accolade at Sunday night’s star-studded occasion.

The Male Sports Personality Trophy was won by boxer Damon O’Neill, while the female equivalent was presented to athlete Amy Holder and table tennis starlet Anaya Patel.

The 30th annual sports awards ceremony was staged at the Pentahotel, where more than 200 sportsmen and women and their guests enjoyed a three-course meal, with live music, before settling down to the presentations.

Then sponsors, Reading Oddfellows, Simple Recruitment Services, Reading Chronicle, Pentahotel, along with the Mayor of Reading, councillor Paul Woodward, former England, Manchester United and Reading midfiel player Neil Webb, ex-Royals boss Ian Branfoot, BBC sports commentator Andrea Holland, motor racing driver Johnny Mowlem and Sir John Madejski were kept busy presenting the 48 trophies on offer.

“It was a great evening, and everyone enjoyed the occasion,” said organiser Alan Porton.

The Club of the Year Award was shared by Reading Royals Synchro Club who in their 50th year won the National Cup, and Reading Rockets Basketball Club who tasted success at all levels .

Three stalwarts of their sport Jeff Pearce (Albatross Diving Club), Gordon Dart (Reading Cygnets) and Martin Shearn (Thames Valley Football League) were rewarded for years of dedication.

However, one of the biggest cheers probably went to recently-retired Reading Borough Council official Debbie Daniels, who has helped with the awards night for 20 years. The evening was hosted by Meridian TV presenters Chris Maughan and Sarah Gomme.