ALCESTER high jumper Rory Dwyer scooped the 2015 OCS Young Sportsperson of the Year Award for the Central and North region.

The 18-year-old received the accolade at City Hall in London, which was hosted by BBC Sport commentator and former international gymnast Gabby Logan.

Dwyer, who is a member of Stratford-upon-Avon Athletic Club, has had a fine year in the under-20s age section, becoming English Schools Champion.

He also was England indoor champion and represented the nation on several occasions.

Dwyer, who is also an accomplished hurdler, arepresented Great Britain as a junior at the IAAF World Championships in Oregon.

Currently, he splits his time between training with Stratford and at the High Performance Centre in Birmingham, alongside Olympic bronze medalist Robbie Grabarz.

Coach Paul Bearman said: "The award is a big help for Rory because of all the travelling he has to do between Birmingham and Stratford.

"He was very happy to represent the region and win an award."

Since the awards began in 1998, OCS has made sports bursaries of almost £600,000 to over 249 deserving young people.

The awards give outstanding young athletes recognition and support to help them with the strain of training, travelling and competing.

Offering independent recognition and financial assistance at the start of their journey when, more often than not, parents and guardians are the solitary sponsor, makes a huge difference.