Olympic men's four gold medallist Andy Triggs Hodge won the GB winter assessment 5km trial at Boston, Lincolnshire, today in a time of 18:15.14.

Triggs-Hodge was five hundredths of a second ahead of Devon's Marcus Bateman who missed out on Olympic selection earlier year. Bateman nudged Alan Campbell, the specialist single sculler whose performance in Beijing was hampered by a severe pre-Games infection, into third place.

James Clarke, of London RC, was fifth. He was part of GB's world champion lightweight men's four in 2007 but competed today in the open weight class.

The women's title was taken by Gloucester's Beth Rodford in a time of 20.05.36. Rodford was part of GB Rowing's women's eight at the Beijing Games. Rising star Olivia Whitlam was second in 20.09.55 whilst Tina Stiller and Alice Freeman were third and fourth respectively.

Only just under four seconds separated Olympic reserve, Rob Williams, from lightweight men's single scull trial winner Paul Mattick of Wallingford. Reading University's John Preston was an impressive third. He will be part of GB's Australian Youth Olympic Festival line-up in January.

Sophie Hosking won the equivalent women's single ahead of teacher Hester Goodsell with Andrea Dennis in third.

For full results see: http://www.bostonrowingmarathon.org.uk/Trials.htm

The 2009 race will take place on Sunday, May 10th starting at 10 am to cover 11 laps of the popular circuit taking in the cobbled 1 in 6 climb of Michaelgate and the tourist centres of the City with the picturesque views of Lincoln Cathedral and Castle acting as a backdrop for the event.

The race will again feature Britain’s top road riders and with interest already being expressed by foreign teams will again have an international flavour.

A recent survey of the season long British Cycling Premier Calendar series carried out by Cycling Weekly magazine showed the event as many of the riders’ favourite with answers to the question –Which was your favourite Premier Calendar event of the season ?

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A countywide campaign to discover what people like about living in Lincolnshire – and what would make it even better – has revealed its results.

Responses from Lincolnshire Assembly’s Big County, Big Skies, Big Future consultation show that the county’s lifestyle is what people love the most. An overwhelming 62% of respondents said that its rural character is Lincolnshire’s best feature. By contrast, facilities, entertainment, leisure and business all received just 1 or 2% of the vote.

Rt. Reverend John Saxbee, Bishop of Lincoln and Chair of the Lincolnshire Assembly Executive Board, said:

"Completing the Big County campaign is a major step forwards for Lincolnshire. Local people across Lincolnshire have joined us in our drive to understand the hopes and aspirations that our communities have for the future of our county. We can now make progress on improving the way we work together, confident that we are tackling the right issues in the right way. I am tremendously excited by this opportunity to make the difference that our communities deserve, and to secure a bright future for Lincolnshire."

Marcus Coleman, Assistant Chief Executive – Partnerships, said:
“Combined research and information sources will help shape a long-term vision for the county which will paint a picture of the Lincolnshire lifestyles we are saying we want for ourselves and generations to follow.

“Other ongoing research will also support this as we identify the changes we need to be making to improve life in Lincolnshire for the future. We will ensure that the priority actions being developed are consistent with the views of local residents and organisations and continue to communicate this to them so everyone can play their part in making our Lincolnshire vision a reality.”

The full results of Big County, Big Skies, Big Future can be viewed at the website of the Lincolnshire Assembly: www.lincolnshireassembly.com/bigideas

Lincolnshire Sports Partnership Statement: Sport has an important role to play in achieving this vision and it is essential that sport forms part of the wider community strategy.

Voluntary contribution to netball is recognised through this year's Golden Globe Awards. These Awards are the pinnacle of England Netball's recognition of voluntary efforts & excellence.

Muriel McNally Award

This award is presented to a volunteer who has made a notable contribution to the development of netball and grass roots level over a significant period of time. To be eligible nominees must be a registered member of an organisation affiliated to England Netball, and have supported grass roots netball development by way of coaching, umpiring or administration for a minimum period of 10yrs.

This year's winner was Paula Hill from Lincolnshire.

The Mansfield swimmer was presented with her trophy at the BBC East Midlands Sports Awards at the Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham on 27 November.

Her swimming club mate and Paralympic gold medallist, Ashfield's Sam Hynd, collected awards for both the Junior Disabled Sportsperson of the Year and the Disabled Sportsperson of the Year.

The Unsung Hero Award supported by Robinsons was won by Bill Halstead, a Matlock-based rugby coach. Bill will represent the region at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2008 in a ceremony at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on Sunday 14 December, where the overall UK winner will be announced.

The award ceremony, supported by Sport England, was a celebration of a fantastic year of sport in the East Midlands.

Full list of winners

Team of the Year: GB Short Track Speed Skating Team

Brian Clough Breakthrough Award: Rendall Munroe – boxing

Football Achievement of the Year: Joe Mattock – Leicester City

Unsung Hero Award: Bill Halstead - rugby coach based in Matlock, Derbyshire

Lifetime Achievement Award: Jimmy Sirrel

Junior Disabled Sportsperson of the Year: Sam Hynd – swimming

Coach of the Year: Dave Brailsford – cycling

Enterprise in Sport Award: Speedo International – Nottinghamshire

Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Becky Downie – gymnastics

Disabled Sports Personality of the Year: Sam Hynd – swimming

Sports Personality of the Year: Rebecca Adlington - swimming

Judges Special Awards: Bill Furniss- swimming coach and Tim Brabants- canoeing