STAFF and students paid tribute to well known local sportsman, Luke Buckingham, at the annual Bridgwater College sports awards.

Held at the Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Club with professional footballer Scott Laird, the event celebrated the success of Team BC, as well as the first ever Luke Buckingham Varsity Games.

The games celebrated the life of Luke- who was sports development manager and head of Team BC, until he sadly died in October 2015.

The competition was introduced to honour sport, as well as raise money for Luke’s chosen charity, Bloodwise.

The Luke Buckingham Coach of the Year award, presented by Luke's wife Holly, was won by Dan Wright for his contribution to college and community football, and his commitment to Bridgwater Town Reserves.

Sam Reilly, head of department for sports, outdoor education and uniformed public services, said: "The evening was a terrific culmination of both student and staff dedication to their particular sports.

"We are extremely proud of all of our students involved in Team BC, whether they are part of our elite and high performing sports teams, or part of the incredible student Team BC Activators."

Holly Buckingham, land-based conferencing and commercial training manager, and wife to Luke Buckingham, attended the awards.

She said: "It was an honour to be invited to attend the sports awards and present the coaches award in Luke’s name, and I can’t think of a more fitting recipient than Dan Wright, Luke’s right hand man at Bridgwater Town Reserves.

"It was a privilege to be included in the ceremony and witness the recognition of all that has been achieved in college sport over the past year.

"It’s truly heart-warming to see so many staff and students doing all that they can to keep Luke’s legacy alive and ensure that better never stops where sport at Bridgwater College is concerned.

"I know that Luke would be incredibly proud of, and I am truly humbled by, all that they have achieved during a very difficult year."

Sports and exercise science student, Alisha Gardener, said: "The whole evening was really incredible and I know Luke would have been proud of this and of all of our achievements this year."