A BOXING club has rewarded its most successful and promising stars.

Two hundred sponsors and supporters of Spennymoor Boxing Academy packed a marquee at Shafto's Hall, Whitworth Hall, for the club's annual presentation night.

The event gave the club a chance to celebrate one of its most successful years ever - winning 82 of the 124 contests it entered and gaining eight national and regional champions and an England international.

Director of coaching Robert Ellis said: "This has been one of the most successful seasons in the club's history and it's great to see everyone come and honour our true heroes of the club, the boxers themselves."

English light welter weight champion Nigel Wright, a pool-side attendant at Spennymoor Leisure Centre where the club is based, added his weight to the celebrations.

Mr Wright said: "They have a good club and are respected all over the world. These lads wouldn't get awards unless they were dedicated and talented."

The awards went to: Chad Ellis, The Royce Carson Memorial Trophy for best rookie; Shane McAloon, The Heart of a Lion Award; Gary Reay, most courageous boxer; Adam Jackson, The Spennymoor Sports trophy for best club junior; Stuey McCrone, boxer of the year and the Spennymoor Town Council Trophy.

Reece Ellis was presented with a belt, from the US, for being the club's best new prospect, and awards went to the club's national championship winning youngsters Ben Jackson and Reece Smailes.

Members thanked Mr Ellis and his wife, Diane, for their support throughout the year.