Hattons Sportsperson of the Year

Chris Middlehurst

Some say that petrol, not blood, flows through the veins of the Middlehurst family. And that metaphor is ringing true as the next generation of the motor racing dynasty establishes himself as a force on the circuit.

Chris Middlehurst, 18, a former Rainford High School pupil, was crowned 2013 Protyre Formula Renault champion this year. He is the son of Andy Middlehurst, who boasts a successful racing career stretching back more than 30 years.

Chris enjoyed a truly outstanding season, included six wins, four pole positions and five fastest race laps.

He has been shortlisted for the McLaren AUTOSPORT Award, which will see him compete with five other drivers to win £100,000 and an F1 test.

Conor Coady

Liverpool FC midfielder Conor Coady was given the honour of leading England in the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The 20-year-old former Rainford High pupil has made his Premier League and European debuts for the Reds.

England under 20s boss Peter Taylor has drew comparisons between Conor and Anfield icon Jamie Carragher.

In 2010 Conor skippered England to glory in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship. It was the first trophy won by an England men’s team for 18 years.

Stephen Bunting

Darter Stephen Bunting, or the ‘Bullet’ as he is nicknamed, has continued the outstanding form that has made him the number one ranked competitor in the BDO.

Just this month he retained the magnificent Winmau Masters trophy, becoming only the fourth player to retain the title in its 40-year history.

It has been a good spell for the 28-year-old from Newtown, who is keeping up the town’s strong track record with the arrows.

In the recent World Cup in Newfoundland, Canada, Stephen was runner up in the singles final to Wesley Harms, but he was crowned pairs champion along with his team-mate Tony O’Shea as England retained the World Cup Trophy.

His attention will switch to Lakeside in January.