TALENTED sports people, dedicated coached and keen volunteers have been recognised at an awards night to celebrate County Durham’s sporting achievements.

Athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials and teachers involved in all levels of sport across County Durham were in the running to win awards in 13 categories.

Among them was Durham boxer Georgia O’Connor, weightlifter Jenny Todd, from Bishop Middleham and football coach Julie Scurfield, from Chester-le-Street, who won the award for contribution to sport.

The awards, hosted by the Active Durham partnership, recognise the outstanding achievements of participants in all aspects of sport and physical activity.

Former England international rugby player, Maggie Alphonsi attended the ceremony at the Gala Theatre, in Durham, to present the trophies.

Active Durham chair Annie Dolphin said: “Without the commitment and dedication of so many people, sporting and physical activity opportunities across our county would be far fewer and this was the partnership’s way of saying thank you for all that they do.”

Commonwealth Youth champion Georgia, 17, who is a member of Seconds Out Boxing Club in Ferryhill, won Young Sports Performance of the Year while Ms Todd, the current English, British and European middleweight champion, won Sports Performance of the Year.

Alan Lawson, a volunteer for Coundon Community Gym, won the Contribution to Physical Activity award, triathlete Andrew Robertson, who competes despite undergoing chemotherapy, won Sports and Physical Activity Achievement of the Year and Football coach Michael Shaw won Coach of the Year.

Young Coach of the Year was cyclist Matthew Lynn, a member of Hetton Hawks, Volunteer of the Year was won by Sandra and Paul Chapman, who provide opportunities at Roseberry College, in Chester-le-Street. Young Volunteer of the Year was Jordan Evans.

There were also awards for St Cuthbert’s RCVA Primary School, King James 1st Academy, Hunwick Cricket Club and Consett Steelers Junior Netball Club.