FIVE Hyndburn Sports Awards winners are preparing to go up against the rest of the county at the Lancashire Sports Awards evening at Ewood Park tonight (Fri).

Accrington Swimming Club's Chris McKean, Coach of the Year, has a lot to live up to as the previous two Hyndburn winners of this award - Norman Mitchell and Anthony 'Axel' Foley - both also won the Lancashire prize.

Also hoping for success is Special Recognition Award winner Ted Watson who has dedicated an amazing 50 years to teaching young people to swim.

Young Volunteer Allan Phillipson, who is involved with St Peters school promoting football, is hoping for county glory.

And Rising Star Philip Aspinall, who plays for Great Harwood Cricket Club and competes for England at badminton, is hoping to walk away with any cash sponsorship which comes with this award to boost his dreams of competing in the 2012 Olympics.

Grange Bowling Club, from Clayton-le-Moors, will hope to be double winners, as they are in the running for Lancashire Community Club of the Year as well as a prize from Biffaward.

George Cull, Hyndburn's Assistant Sports Development Officer, said: "I would like to wish all of Hyndburn's winners the best of luck on the evening and hope that we can keep the tradition of performing well at the county awards."

Winners of the Lancashire Awards will go on to a North West Regional final.

For more information on the awards, contact Lancashire Sport on 01995 642340.