Meet The Judges

George Dowell is a well-known local businessman and former chairman of Worthing Football Club, with a long-standing commitment to the town and its community. In 2024, George proudly presented the Disability Awareness Award at the Worthing Community Awards, and in 2025 he went on to sponsor an award. In recognition of his continued support, we were honoured to invite George to join the Worthing Community Awards judging panel.

Andy Sparsis is a well-known figure in Worthing’s hospitality and business community. He is the founder of Porto Restaurant and has spent many years developing successful independent restaurants in the town. With extensive experience in hospitality, team leadership and local business, Andy brings a strong understanding of community, enterprise and the importance of supporting people and places at a local level.

Elaine Hammond is a senior journalist at the Worthing Herald, with many years’ experience reporting on local news, community stories and events across Worthing and the surrounding area. She brings strong local insight and editorial expertise to the Worthing Community Award, Elaine has covered the community awards for the last two years and now we are also power proud to have her as a judge.

James Brock has worked in the property industry since 1996 and is the founder of James and James Estate Agents. With wide-ranging experience across residential, commercial, lettings and auctions, the business has been a proud sponsor of the Worthing Community Awards for the past two years, and we are now delighted to welcome James as a judge.

Robin Cousins MBE is a former Olympic figure skating champion and a long-standing commentator for BBC Sport’s figure skating coverage. He also served as head judge on ITV’s Dancing on Ice from 2006 to 2014 and has appeared in numerous West End theatre productions. Robin lives locally in Ferring, and we are proud to have him as a judge for the Worthing Community Awards 2026