BUDDING sports stars from the Richmondshire district had their efforts recognised at a local Sports Council junior sports awards.

Run in partnership with Richmondshire District Council, the sixth annual ceremony was held at Wensleydale School, in Leyburn.

The Noel Heaton Memorial Award for service to sport, presented in memory of the former Sports Council committee member, went to Peter Marshall and Barbara Hardisty.

Mr Marshall has been chairman, treasurer, coach and groundsman of Richmond Town Football Club for the past 20 years while Ms Hardisty has given 27 years' service to Richmond Dales Swimming Club.

Other winners included Andrew Mollitt, of Richmond School, as coach of the year, while the under-18 boys' squad of Richmond Hockey Club was named team of the year.

In all, 130 people were presented with awards. The chairwoman of the Sports Council, Jane Metcalfe, said: "I would like to say thank you to the members of the Sports Council, who are all volunteers, Richmondshire District Council, and the event sponsors Randall Orchard.

"It is always a pleasure to see people succeed in their chosen sports and the high number of awards that were given out only highlights the showcase of talent we have in the district."