ALMOST 200 guests attended the inaugural Durham Sport's Awards Dinner, which celebrated the success of coaches, clubs and volunteers throughout the county.

Guest speaker for the event at Durham University's Collingwood College was Seaham-born Brian Marwood, the ex-Arsenal and England footballer.

During the evening, Durham Sport also appointed two young sporting ambassadors. They were Michael Boal, an Under-18 England hockey international; and Carly Telford, who has played in goal for both England Under-17 and Under-19 girls football teams.

A special award was also made to Dr Peter Warburton, chair of Durham Sport, for his contribution to sport in County Durham.

Other award winners were: Male Community Coach of the Year, sponsored by Omnicom CTI - Keith Greenwell (tennis); Female Community Coach of the Year, sponsored by Physical Health Screens - Christine Heppell (tennis); Male Volunteer of the Year - Ian Hirst (basketball); Female Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Prontaprint - Alison Hopkins (athletics); Young Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Geoffrey Cook Associates - Rachael Darling (hockey); Club of the Year, sponsored by SAQ International - Wear Valley Basketball Club; Junior Club of the Year, sponsored by Durham Medical - Sunderland Ladies Hockey Club and Greenfield Tennis Club.