With Harlequins supporting the event, Richmond Council's Sports Development Team staged Thursday's event to praise the young people, parents, coaches and volunteers involved. Harlequins Director of Rugby Dean Richards and centre Stuart Abbott were on hand to present awards and medals to the winners.

At the end of the evening, the Mayor of Richmond, Cllr Marc Cranfield-Adams, accepted a cheque for £4,000 from Harlequins to contribute towards the 2008 London Youth Games.

Cllr John Coombs, Cabinet Member for Youth, Culture and Leisure for Richmond Council, said: "It was another outstanding year for the borough's team and congratulations to all the young people, coaches, parents and volunteers who played a part. The Council and its partners are encouraging more youngsters every year to take part in competitive sport and this year's results are a testament to those efforts."

"To have 18 top ten finishes is a fantastic achievement on top of numerous outstanding individual performances."

Richard Varney, Harlequins Community Development Manager, said: "Quins are delighted to be associated with the Richmond teams who compete in the annual London Youth Games events. We have enjoyed a good relationship working with the Borough's Sports Development Team and look forward to extending our sponsorship into a seventh consecutive season."