YOUNG sports stars from a North-East town were recognised for their achievements and endeavours in an awards ceremony last night.

More than 100 people attended the presentation of awards in the long-running Darlington Sports Winners Scheme, in John Caden Hall, at the town's Carmel College.

Darlington mayor Gerald Lee and Lord Lieutenant of County Durham Sue Snowden were among the guests at the ceremony.

The Sports Winners Scheme has been running in Darlington for more than 20 years and has evolved into a series of presentations, culminating in a grand final where the overall winners are crowned.

As well as last night's presentations, a series of awards were handed out in July, with the grand final due to be held at Darlington College, on January 28.

Organiser Paul Foreman said the awards are enduringly popular and expects them to remain so for years to come.

He said: "We have had record numbers of entries this year, with more than 60 nominations across all of the various categories, so we know how popular these awards are."

Mr Foreman thanked the event's sponsors, Darlington Rotary Club, Master Skills Sporting Academy, Sherwoods, Tees Valley Sport, Darlington College and Mech-Tool.

The Northern Echo:

Primary Sports Achiever

1st – Oliver Millichap

2nd – Millie Mitford

3rd – Matthew Wilson

Secondary Sports Achiever

1st – Courtney Burton

2nd – Chloe Ryan

3rd – Sam Murray and Eve Sinclair

Disability Sports Achiever

Rydal Academy Boccia Team

Further Education Sports Achiever

1st – Joe Craggs

2nd – James Boyd

Primary school team award

1st – Hurworth School tag rugby

2nd – Hurworth School table tennis

3rd – Skerne Park academy dance

Secondary school team award

Hummersknott badminton team

Under 11s team/club award

Darlington Gymnastics Club

Under 17s team/club award

Darlington Mowden Park

Over 17s Team/Club Award

Darlington Mowden Park

Service to sport award, Under 17

Katie Sisk

Service to sport award, Over 17

1st, Helen Rondo; 2nd, Natasha Levy