The Civil Service Sportswoman of the Year award has been won by a competitor from an equestrian sport for the first time.
Amateur show jumper Michelle Lloyd, 41, from South Wales works for the Department of Work and Pensions in Neath, and competes in her spare time.
She told H&H: Im chuffed and delighted. The trophy is the biggest Ive ever won. I was really surprised because I didnt think they were interested in horse sports.
Michelle has ridden as a hobby for years. She was nominated for the award because she won the UK Riders National 1.05m Open Showjumping Championships at Warwickshire College last year.
The Health and Social Security Recreation Association (HASSRA) award dates back to 1957. Every year the HASSRA club, which has a membership of over 66,000, nominates their members for awards nationally.
Other names on the trophy include cricketer Geoff Boycott.
