A councillor has been recognised for her commitment to the community as the first Karen Bellamy Cup was handed out to a young diver.

The Higham Hill Ward councillor made a lasting impression on parents of young athletes, last year, when she questioned the council over the Pool and Track development in Chingford Road.

The junior cabinet member, who sits on the planning committee, urged the authority to consider many poor constituents will not be able to travel to the Aqua Centre to dive before they voted on plans which took away the last 5m board in the borough.

She was the only councillor to object to the controversial plans which were approved earlier this year, even taking the bus to the centre and back to see how long it would take.

In recognition of her efforts to help their cause, WFDC has introduced the Cllr Karen Bellamy Cup.

The cup will be handed to the diver who shows the most dedication and drive over 12 months.

Felix Fitzwilliam was announced as the first winner at the Hub in Higham Hill Park, last Monday.

Parent, former coach and campaign leader Ian Capes said: “WF Diving club parents wanted to recognise Cllr Karen Bellamy who was the only member of the planning committee to acknowledge our objections through to the bitter end.

“Karen has had a long ongoing interest in encouraging grass roots involvement of local youngsters in many activities. She was also instrumental in helping to set up the BMX track at Cheney Row - and she is well thought of by those organisers and parents too.”

Mrs Bellamy resigned from the cabinet on a “matter of principle” in the fortnight after the Pool and Track Decision.

Karen also presented ‘diver of the month’ medals to Frank Marsden, Ali Slimani, Josh Anderson, Annie Brown, Ellie Johnson, Rhys Loxton, Szofia Varga, Ruth Williams, Amelie Grimes, Artie O Regan, Jack Gillman, Sam Diaz, Jake Lerman, Sam Jennings and Leon Barc.