SIX people have been named as Everyday Sport Champions after a ceremony.

The men and women, from Darlington, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Newcastle, were given the awards for their efforts to get fitter.

The ceremony, at the Great North Sport and Fitness Show in Newcastle, was one of the last events of a four-month campaign aimed at getting North-East people active.

The Government-backed scheme, run by Sport England, has been piloted in the North-East because the region has one of the lowest levels of fitness in the country.

All the award-winners have responded to the challenge to become more healthy.

The six, who all receive a certificate and £150-worth of sports vouchers, were chosen after organisers appealed for nominations from people who have changed their lifestyles and now lead healthier, more active lives.

Everyday Sport champion Diane Wilson, who lives in Darlington and works at Southlands Leisure Centre, in Middlesbrough, said: "We are really honoured to be receiving this award. It is not always easy trying to keep active and stay away from the couch, but today makes all the hard work seem worthwhile."

The other winners were 78-year-old taekwondo enthusiast Edward Turnbull, Pat Lee, who lost ten stones afer she joined South Tyneside's Commuity Fitness Project 16 months ago, Shamin Arshad, from Gateshead, who has overcome severe asthma to become a regular walker.

Another award went to husband and wife Ian and Elizabeth Curtis.

Mr Curtis gave up smoking, took up running, started eating healthily and took part in yesterday's Great North Run.

Mrs Curtis recently decided to become more active and has lost two stones.

The awards were presented by basketball player John Amaechi.