Karen Edwards, who founded the women's section of Brighton and Hove Hockey Club 40 years ago, was honoured with a life membership at the club's annual dinner dance on Saturday night.

Karen was a popular and deserving choice for the award, which she received from Chairman Graham Edwards in front of more than 150 members and guests who revelled joyously at the Old Ship Hotel.

The players of the season and leading goalscorers also received their awards while Betti Jordan and women's team secretary Elaina Sperring were recognised for their outstanding contributions this season in securing a new kit supply deal with FUEL Hockey.

Luke Owen and Bara Kavanova won the respective men's and women's first XI player of the season awards while Sam Nicholls was a double winner, picking up the 5s' player of the year prize and the leading men's goalscorer trophy.

Full list of awards:

Men
1s - Luke Owen
2s - Nathan Tyler
3s - Chris Page
4s - Pete Ashdown
5s - Sam Nicholls
6s - Hamish Hare
7s - Atul Patel
8s - Duke Quinton
Flippers - Riordan O’Brien
Top goalscorer - Sam Nicholls
Junior top goalscorer - Gareth Shorrocks
Young player of the season - Harley Harden and Seb Williams

Women
1s - Barbora Kavanova and Emma Wyatt
2s - Amanda Peers
3s - Laura Vaughan-Hirsh
4s - Kath Sealy
5s - Natalie Mottershead
6s - Michaela Kerrigan and Rosie Healy
7s - Masha Finn and Emma Jewell
Gulls - Megan Everton
Starlings - Jess Nicklan
Top scorer - Jo Whiting
Junior top goalscorer - Emily Cook
Young player of the season - Alice Heap

Special awards
Life membership - Karen Edwards
Outstanding service - Betti Jordan and Elaina Sperring