A TEAM of walking football players were happy to come as runners up at an awards ceremony.

The Halstead Walking Football Club had been nominated for Physical Activity Project of the Year at the Active Essex Sports Awards.

The ceremony was held on Wednesday and the team attended along with their fellow nominees, Beat the Street in Tendring and Happy Hearts Exercise in Chelmsford.

The winners were Beat the Street, but the walking footballers were still pleased to have been nominated.

John Smith, who manages the Halstead Walking Football Club, said: "We all really enjoyed the experience and we were pleased to be on the stage with gold medallists and other well-known people.

"No one would have thought that would have happened to us a couple of years ago.

"We were delighted to have been nominated for the award, but after having listened to what other people have achieved we came to the conclusion they were more deserving.

"Still, we had a great time."

The Essex Active Sports Awards is in partnership with Essex County Council and Sport England.

John Aldridge, Chairman of Essex County Council, said: “We all know the importance of having an active lifestyle and Active Essex plays a big part in making sure the right expertise and support is available for people across the county to participate in a sport or physical activity of their choice.

"I’d like to offer my congratulations to all of this year’s Active Essex Sports Awards winners.”