South Woodham Ferrers player Neil Hitchens picked up a top trophy at the Essex Junior Squash Championships.

The Club Woodham member won the under-17 boys title at the event, which was held at Harlow Sports Centre.

Neil's success came a year after he won the under-15 title.

Other south Essex players also did well at the championships.

Thorpe Bay's Courtlands Park was represented by Chris Peer, who was runner up in the under-11 boys section.

And three members of Basildon's Club Kingswood also received runners-up awards.

Sisters Philippa and Sarah Neller were beaten finalists in the under-17 and under-19 girls' competitions respectively, while Scott Gledhill was second in the boys' under-15 event.

The championships were sponsored for the second year running by workwear, linen and washroom company Albany, who are based in Rayleigh and have a laundry in Westcliff.

Albany managing director Mike Burton, a keen squash and tennis player, presented the prizes.

"We are very pleased to be able to support the squad of young talented players that Essex has," Mike said.

Salver success - Neil Hitchens received his winner's award from Albany managing director Mike Burton

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