Josh McEachran admitted that winning Oxfordshire’s sportsman of the year trophy was the first honour he had ever won.

The 17-year-old footballer, who has enjoyed a remarkable few months, with appearances for Chel-sea’s first team as well as winning a first England Under 21 cap, won the prestigious trophy at last night’s Oxfordshire Sports Awards, held at the Kassam Stadium.

In front of around 250 people, McEachran was on hand to collect his prize ahead of Chelsea's match away to Newcastle tomorrow.

And the teenager, whose family live in Kirtlington, said he was delighted to land the honour.

“It’s the first award I’ve ever won,” said McEachran. “And I’m so pleased to have got it in my home town.

“It has been a great year for me, starting in the summer helping England win the under 1`7 tournament in Spain.

“It has been great to play for Chelsea this season. It’s a great thrill to be involved with such a big club.

“Hopefully, we can win the Premier League and even the Champions League.

“That would be the ultimate for me.” Oxfordshire darts player Deta Hedman was crowned sportswoman of the year aftersecuring the world No 1 ranking.

Victories in the three national opens, as well as the English Masters, British Masters and British Classic put her clear of her rivals.

The junior sportsperson award went to cyclist John Paul, from Wantage, who won gold in the National Junior Championships earlier this year, before going on to represent Scotland in the Commonwealth Games.

Oxford United were double winners.

Chris Wilder was named coach of the year, with the U's also scooping the team prize after winning promotion back into the Football League.

Horspath Cricket Club were crowned club of the year after seeing all four teams win their respective divisions in the Cherwell League, while Oxford School of Gymnastics picked up the junior sports team honour.

Shooter Andrew Gardiner won the disabled sportsperson award, with the unsung hero honours going to Ann Setch (Windrush Boxing Club) and Ethan Peel (junior cricket umpire).

Janette Cardy landed the active inspiration award.

ROLL OF HONOUR.

Sportsman of year – winner: J McEachran (football); runners-up: J Plato (motorsport) & S Jones (rugby).

Sportswoman – winner: D Hedman (darts); runners-up: S Whitworth (triathlon) & N Sole (ski-ing).

Junior sportsperson – winner: J Paul (cyclist); runners-up: H Roberts (karate) & K Richardson (ice dance).

Coach of the year – winner: C Wilder (football); runners-up: A Taylor (golf) & R Luxton (rowing).

Club – wnner: Horspath Cricket Club; runners-up: Windrush Valley Boxing Club & Abingdon Squash and Racketball Club.

Team – winner: Oxford United FC; runners-up: City of Oxford Rowing Club & Falcon Rowing Club.

Junior sports team – winner: Oxford School of gymnastics’ acrobatic four; runners-up: Aston Rowant Cricket Club under 15s & City of Oxford Rowing Club junior women’s coxed four.

Disabled sportsperson – winner: A Gardiner (shooting); runners-up: S Davies (football) & D Robbins (tennis).

Unsung hero – winner: A Setch (Windrush Valley Boxing Club); runners-up: J Wentzel (hockey) & S O’Leary (swimming).

Junior unsung hero – winner: E Peel (cricket); runners-up – R Calvert (hockey) & S Osland (swimming).

Active inspiration award – winner: J Cardy; runner-up: K Gregory.

Full report and pictures from the evening in Monday’s Oxford Mail